Voters in Ohio have voted to add abortion rights to their state constitution. The bill called Issue 1 had a 57% vote.
The issue has been in contention ever since the United States Supreme Court overturned the landmark abortion case Roe v Wade last year which made 16 states ban nearly all types of abortions.
The polls closed on November 7 as a watch party gathered in downtown Columbus. The watch party was hosted by the Ohioans United for Reproductive Rights. The organisation’s co-chair Lauren Blauvelt gave a speech saying, “Abortion is healthcare,” to resounding applause from the public.
United States President Joe Biden commended the journey of Issue 1 and called on Congress to pass legislation to protect abortion rights across the United States.
Ohio voters decide
The general feeling was one of elation as locals gathered at the venue where the watch party was.
Co-founder of Ohio Physicians for Reproductive Rights Dr Marcela Azevedo said that she had a patient who wasn’t able to get care for her cancer simply because of the ban on abortion.
“We’re going to bed knowing that we own our own bodies,” she said.
The amendment will be reflected in the state’s constitution. It will allow any individual to have the right to reproductive medical treatment which includes abortion, contraception and miscarriage care. The amendment will come into effect on December 7.
Despite the win, Ohio Republicans who control the legislature and governorship in the state Sadi they would introduce new ballot measures in response to Issue 1.
Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives, Jason Stephens told his supporters that there are multiple paths we will explore to continue to protect innocent life.
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