November 2023 Ohio Issue 1

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Issue 1

November 7, 2023 (2023-11-07)

Right to Reproductive Freedom with Protections for Health and Safety[1]
Results
Choice
Votes %
Yes 2,227,384 56.78%
No 1,695,480 43.22%
Total votes 3,922,864 100.00%

Yes:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
No:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%

The 2023 Ohio reproductive rights initiative,[2] officially titled "The Right to Reproductive Freedom with Protections for Health and Safety", and listed on the ballot as Issue 1,[3] was a citizen-initiated constitutional amendment that was adopted on November 7, 2023, by a majority of 56.8% of voters. It codified reproductive rights in the Ohio Constitution, including contraception, fertility treatment, whether to continue one's own pregnancy, and miscarriage care, restoring Roe v. Wade-era access in Ohio and protecting "the right to abortion up to the point of fetal viability" while permitting restrictions after.[a][4]

In 2019 the Ohio legislature passed a near-total ban on abortion, without exceptions for the health of the mother, rape, incest, or minors. This statute became active after Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. During the time it was in place, multiple children fled the state for abortions after being raped.[5] One of these cases involved a ten-year-old girl from Columbus, Ohio who traveled to Indiana to get the procedure, generating nationwide attention and becoming a central campaign issue.[5] A state court put the ban on hold while a challenge alleging it violated the Ohio Constitution was heard.[6] Issue 1 was seen as determining whether Ohio's statute would remain; several members of the "no" campaign had called for bans on forms of birth control that prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg and in vitro fertilization if it fails.[7][8]

The "yes" campaign drew support from Ohio medical organizations,[9] doctors,[9] economists,[10] trade unions,[11] editorial boards,[11] reproductive rights groups,[11] and several religious organizations.[12] They argued that a "yes" vote would further limited government, protect bodily autonomy and religious liberty, while preventing interference with patient-physician privacy.[8] The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecology, alongside other professional associations of doctors, campaigned for Issue 1.[8][13] In late August 2023, former President Donald Trump, who appointed three of the Supreme Court justices who voted to overturn Roe v. Wade, condemned six-week abortion bans, including Ohio's, as going "too far" and a "terrible thing and terrible mistake".[14][15] Religious groups were generally divided on the issue.[b][12]

Ohio is a moderately conservative state;[17] Donald Trump easily won the state over Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election,[17] so the results of the referendum were widely expected to be a bellwether on whether there is a unified American consensus on abortion rights; voters have supported the "pro-choice" side along both bipartisan and overwhelming margins in referendums conducted since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022.[18][19] Ohio's neighbor Michigan had a similar referendum a year earlier in November of 2022, and it passed by almost the exact same margin.

Although similar ballot measures had passed in blue strongholds such as California, and even blue swing states like Michigan, and abortion restrictions had been defeated in red states like Kansas and Kentucky, this was the first time since the Dobbs decision that citizens of a conservative state were asked to enshrine abortion protections into the state constitution. As such, the result of the referendum was widely seen as establishing a national consensus in favor of broad abortion rights, marking a continued trend in ballot measures since the Dobbs decision.[20][21] Among those between 18 and 24 years old, an estimated 76% voted for Issue 1.[22] Some conservative political analysts and commentators called a continued alliance with the anti-abortion movement "untenable" and an "electoral disaster", and urged the party to adopt a more pro-choice stance on the issue.[23] Exit polling indicated that 61% of Ohioans agree that abortion should be legal in all or most cases, versus only 37% who disagree.[24]

Text[edit]

Be it Resolved by the People of the State of Ohio that Article I of the Ohio Constitution is amended to add the following Section:

Article I, Section 22. The Right to Reproductive Freedom with Protections for Health and Safety

A. Every individual has a right to make and carry out one's own reproductive decisions, including but not limited to decisions on:

  1. contraception;
  2. fertility treatment;
  3. continuing one's own pregnancy;
  4. miscarriage care; and
  5. abortion

B. The State shall not, directly or indirectly, burden, penalize, prohibit, interfere with, or discriminate against either:

  1. An individual's voluntary exercise of this right or
  2. A person or entity that assists an individual exercising this right

unless the State demonstrates that it is using the least restrictive means to advance the individual's health in accordance with widely accepted and evidence-based standards of care.

However, abortion may be prohibited after fetal viability. But in no case may such an abortion be prohibited if in the professional judgment of the pregnant patient's treating physician it is necessary to protect the pregnant patient's life or health.

C. As used in this Section:

  1. "Fetal viability" means "the point in a pregnancy when, in the professional judgment of the pregnant patient's treating physician, the fetus has a significant likelihood of survival outside the uterus with reasonable measures. This is determined on a case-by-case basis."
  2. "State" includes any governmental entity and any political subdivision.

D. This Section is self-executing.

Background[edit]

The number of abortion clinics in Ohio has substantially decreased.

2022 Ohio child-rape and Indiana abortion case[edit]

In 2019 the Ohio legislature passed a near-total ban on abortion, without exceptions for the health of the mother, rape, incest, or minors.

This current statute became briefly active after Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade and allowed states, including Ohio, to impose unlimited limitations on abortion access. During the time it was in place, multiple children fled the state for abortions after being raped.[5] The most notable case involved a ten-year-old girl from Columbus, Ohio, who traveled to Indiana on June 30, 2022, to get an abortion because then-current statutory law in Ohio did not provide an exception those who became pregnant because of rape. Her case drew national attention and commentary from public figures, due in part to its proximity to the June 24, 2022, decision of the Supreme Court of the United States in Dobbs.[6][25][26][27]

Her rapist was arrested by July 13. Before this arrest was made public, Ohio politicians who oppose legal abortion access called the story a hoax; Ohio's attorney general Dave Yost said, "Every day that goes by, the more likely that this is a fabrication."[28] After news of the arrest validated the Star's story, these sources did not apologize for claiming the story was a hoax.[29] Jim Bopp, the general counsel for the National Right to Life Committee, said in an interview that the child should have been legally forced to carry the pregnancy to full term and give birth, and that "She would have had the baby, and as many women who have had babies as a result of rape, we would hope that she would understand the reason and ultimately the benefit of having the child."[30] In September 2022, shortly after Ohio's 6-week abortion ban went into effect, a woman made national news when she almost bled to death after an Ohio hospital refused to treat her miscarriage.[31] Presently, "a state court put the ban on hold again while a challenge alleging it violates the state constitution plays out".[6][clarification needed]

Ballot measure submission[edit]

On February 21, 2023, Ohioans for Reproductive Freedom, the group leading support for the initiative, filed the amendment's language with the office of Ohio Attorney General, Dave Yost,[32] who certified it on March 2, sending it to the Ohio Ballot Board,[33] who further certified the proposed amendment on March 13, permitting supporters to begin collecting signatures.[4] On July 5, supporters filed 709,786 signatures, nearly 300,000 more than the minimum number required. Ohio Secretary of State, Frank LaRose, certified the petition on July 25, 2023, after certifying 495,938 valid signatures, more than the approximately 410,000 required.[34]

Attempt to change threshold[edit]

The Ohio Republican Party tried to thwart this constitutional amendment by attempting to change the rules so as to increase to 60% the threshold required for referendum passage in an August 8 special election, known as August 2023 Ohio Issue 1. The voters of Ohio rejected this change 57%–43%, keeping the threshold for passage at a simple majority.[35]

Rejected ballot challenge[edit]

On August 11, the Ohio Supreme Court unanimously rejected a lawsuit, filed by Republican former state Representative Tom Brinkman and 2022 Republican state representative candidate Jenn Giroux, that would keep the initiative off the ballot.[36][37]

Campaign[edit]

The campaign for the initiative drew support from Ohio scientific and medical communities,[38][39] economists,[10] trade unions,[11] editorial boards,[11] human rights,[11] and many religious organizations. They argued that the initiative would limit government, protect bodily autonomy and religious liberty, and prevent interference with personal medical decisions, including another situation similar to the aforementioned abortion case.[8] The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecology, alongside other professional associations of physicians, campaigned for the citizen-initiated constitutional amendment.[8] "The main force behind the ballot initiative" were been physicians and other groups in medicine.[9][according to whom?]

While several Ohio's Catholic dioceses condemned the measure, many Catholic voters were expected to vote for "yes", along with several dissenting groups, including Catholics for Choice.[40]

Controversies[edit]

Comments by Ohio Right to Life activist Lizzie Marbach[edit]

Lizzie Marbach Twitter
@LizzieMarbach

"King of kings" has always been a political statement. We just took that for granted in the western world and bought into the silly myth of neutrality in the public square.

August 23, 2023

Lizzie Marbach Twitter
@LizzieMarbach

The use of birth control, IVF, & other unnatural means of "family planning" has brainwashed us into believing that WE are the authors of when life begins. This belief has caused so much evil and ultimately led to the death of over 60 million babies due to abortion.

September 11, 2023

Shortly before the election there was a major rift within the Ohio Right to Life (ORTL) organization. The campaign suffered from intense infighting after comments made by Lizzie Marbach, the organization's communications director, shortly before she was fired.[41]

Marbach labeled a depiction of Our Lady of Guadalupe in a Catholic Church as "idolatry", implied that non-Christians would go to hell, and repeatedly called for an end to the separation of church and state.[41] Marbach called for restrictions or bans on birth control and in vitro fertilization. She was fired in mid-August 2023.[41][42]

Several Catholic anti-abortion activists urged opponents of the measure to not cast a ballot, or, cast one intentionally spoiled as a protest vote in the wake of the controversy, stating that the "against" campaign was furthering anti-Catholicism.[41]

Ballot wording and misleading campaign advertisements[edit]

Proponents of the amendment initially suggested that the amendment appear in full on voters' ballots in November. However, the Ohio Ballot Board substituted its own summary wording to appear before voters. The summary, written by Ohio Secretary of State and Republican Senate candidate Frank LaRose and approved by the Ballot Board's Republican majority, received criticism for its allegedly biased language, including substituting the word "unborn child" for the medically accurate term "fetus" and omitting reference to other rights the proposed amendment would protect, including contraception, miscarriage care, and fertility treatment. Abortion rights groups sued to have the full text of the amendment presented on the ballot, but the Republican majority on the Ohio Supreme Court sided with the Ballot Board, allowing the contentious language to appear in the ballot summary.[43]

The Ballot Board's summary received criticism from medical groups as well as some voices opposed to legal abortion access, who have described it as deliberately deceiving voters to vote "no" under false pretexts.[44] National conservative columnist Jude Russo wrote that "[we] have failed to persuade the American people. Simply put: Lawyerly tricks (and tricky lawyers) are losers. Asking the commons to cede power voluntarily is a loser"[45] and that "a rush of [intentionally] badly-worded state referenda is not a program."[46] The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecology stated: "The language used to discuss abortion has a profound impact on how people form their opinions about reproductive health care, and the emotionally charged language that will now be presented to voters is neither clinically nor legally sound."[44]

Advertisements from the "against" campaign falsely claiming that the referendum would take away parental rights and force transgender surgery on children has received widespread criticism from legal experts who described it as misleading and baseless.[47] Constitutional law expert Jonathan Entin writes:[47]

The opponents are saying, "Well, but there's this language that says 'including but not limited to'..." But that's bogus.

and:[47]

If you drink too much alcohol, if you ingest certain drugs, if you drive too fast – all of those things could have shorter or longer term implications for your ability to reproduce... That doesn't mean that speed limits and drug laws and alcohol regulations are somehow going to be affected by this amendment if it's adopted.

Catholic anti-abortion columnist Mary Pezzulo criticized the advertisements for discussing parental rights while ignoring the anti-abortion movement's mission to "protect the lives of unborn babies". She wrote, "They're lying to get people to vote against Issue One."[48]

Endorsements[edit]

Yes
U.S. Executive Branch officials
U.S. Senators
U.S. Representatives
Statewide officials
  • Marc Dann, 47th Attorney General of Ohio (2007–2008) (Democrat)[54]
State Senators
State House members
  • Willis Blackshear Jr., state representative from the 38th district (2021–present) (Democrat)[56]
  • Jeffrey Crossman, former state representative from the 15th district (2019–2022) and Democratic nominee in the 2022 Ohio Attorney General election (Democrat)[54]
  • Michele Grim, state representative from the 43rd district (2023–present) (Democrat)[57]
  • Darrell Opfer, former state representative from the 53rd district (1993–1999) (Democrat)[58]
  • Allison Russo, Minority Leader of the Ohio House of Representatives (2022–present) and state representative from the 7th district (2023–present) and the 24th district (2019–2022) (Democrat)[59]
  • Anita Somani, state representative from the 11th district (2023–present) (Democrat)[60]
  • Casey Weinstein, state representative from the 34th district (2019–present) (Democrat)[61]
Local officials
Individuals
Organizations
Newspapers
No
U.S. Executive Branch officials
U.S. Senators
U.S. Representatives
Statewide officials
  • Ken Blackwell, 48th Secretary of State of Ohio (1999–2007) and 43rd Treasurer of Ohio (1994–1999) (Republican)[82]
  • Mike DeWine, 70th Governor of Ohio (2019–present), 50th Attorney General of Ohio (2011–2019), former U.S. Senator from Ohio (1995–2007), 59th Lieutenant Governor of Ohio (1991–1994), and former U.S. Representative from OH-7 (1983–1991) (Republican)[81]
  • Keith Faber, 33rd Auditor of Ohio (2019–present) (Republican)[81]
  • Jon Husted, 66th Lieutenant Governor of Ohio (2019–present) and 50th Secretary of State of Ohio (2011–2019) (Republican)[81]
  • Frank LaRose, 51st Secretary of State of Ohio (2019–present) (Republican)[83]
  • Dave Yost, 51st Attorney General of Ohio (2019–present) and 32nd Auditor of Ohio (2011–2019) (Republican)[81]
State Senators
State House members
  • Adam Bird, state representative from the 63rd district (2023–present) and the 66th district (2021–2022) (Republican)[61]
  • Gary Click, state representative from the 88th district (2021–present) (Republican)[87]
  • Jim Hoops, state representative from the 81st district (2018–present; 1999–2006) (Republican)[88]
  • Melanie Miller, state representative from the 67th district (2023–present) (Republican)[85]
  • Bill Seitz, Majority Leader of the Ohio House of Representatives (2017–present), state representative from the 30th district (2017–present; 2001–2007), and former state senator from the 8th district (2007–2016) (Republican)[89]
  • Jason Stephens, 106th Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives (2023–present) and state representative from the 93rd district (2019–present) (Republican)[90]
Local officials
Individuals
Organizations
Newspapers
Declined to endorse

Polling[edit]

Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[c]
Margin
of error
For Against Undecided
Data for Progress October 31–November 2, 2023 582 (LV) ± 4% 57% 40% 3%
Ohio Northern University October 16–19, 2023 668 (RV) ± 3.8% 60% 40% -
Baldwin Wallace University Community Research Institute October 9–11, 2023 569 (RV) ± 4.5% 58% 34% 8%
Fallon Research & Communications, Inc. August 22–25, 2023 501 (RV) ± 4.37% 55% 35% 10%
Ohio Northern University July 17–26, 2023 675 (LV) ± 3.7% 54% 30% 16%
USA Today/Suffolk University July 9–12, 2023 500 (LV) ± 4.4% 58% 32% 10%
Scripps News/YouGov June 20–22, 2023 500 (LV) ± 5.95% 58% 23% 20%
Baldwin Wallace University Community Research Institute September 30–October 3, 2022 856 (RV) ± 2.8% 59% 27% 14%
  1. ^ The referendum would allow an abortion ban after fetal viability, with the narrow exceptions of "the pregnant patient’s life or health".
  2. ^ Several Catholic dioceses in Ohio have also opposed the referendum. However, along with several dissenting Catholic organizations, many Catholic voters are expected to support Issue 1.[16]
  3. ^ Key:
    A – all adults
    RV – registered voters
    LV – likely voters
    V – unclear

Financial contributions[edit]

Primary Campaign Committees[102]
Committee Position Contributions Expenditures
Ohioans United for Reproductive Rights Support $39,200,000 $26,200,000
Protect Women Ohio Oppose $27,000,000 $24,300,000
Major Donors to Registered Committees[102][103][failed verification]
Donors Position Contributions
The Concord Fund/Judicial Crisis Network Oppose $25,000,000
Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America Oppose $12,500,000
Protect Women Ohio Action Fund Inc Oppose $9,700,000
Sixteen Thirty Fund Support $5,500,000
Ohioans for Reproductive Freedom PAC[103][failed verification] Support $8,500,000
Open Society Policy Center Support $3,500,000
Catholic Dioceses of Ohio Oppose $2,200,000
American Civil Liberties Union Support $2,200,000
Fairness Project Support $2,400,000
Lynn Schusterman Support $1,500,000
Planned Parenthood Action Fund Support $1,500,000
Knights of Columbus Oppose $1,000,000
Michael Bloomberg Support $1,000,000
Gwendolyn Sontheim Meyer Support $1,000,000
Abigail Wexner Support $1,000,000

Results by county[edit]

Breakdown of voting by county[1]
County Yes Votes No Votes
Adams 31.6% 2,443 68.4% 5,287
Allen 35.4% 10,978 64.6% 20,029
Ashland 42.0% 7,655 58.0% 10,573
Ashtabula 54.5% 16,569 45.5% 13,841
Athens 72.6% 13,515 27.4% 5,112
Auglaize 26.6% 4,688 73.4% 12,915
Belmont 40.5% 7,645 59.5% 11,252
Brown 36.1% 4,852 63.9% 8,578
Butler 50.8% 59,150 49.2% 57,305
Carroll 39.3% 3,630 60.7% 5,609
Champaign 41.4% 5,601 58.6% 7,936
Clark 50.6% 20,870 49.4% 20,373
Clermont 48.3% 36,208 51.7% 38,753
Clinton 40.1% 5,350 59.9% 7,995
Columbiana 43.9% 14,132 56.1% 18,040
Coshocton 47.4% 5,228 52.6% 5,813
Crawford 40.0% 5,184 60.0% 7,761
Cuyahoga 74.4% 295,406 25.6% 101,555
Darke 27.6% 5,016 72.4% 13,146
Defiance 38.9% 4,966 61.1% 7,810
Delaware 59.3% 57,116 40.7% 39,195
Erie 57.1% 16,085 42.9% 12,093
Fairfield 51.4% 28,410 48.6% 26,818
Fayette 40.7% 3,303 59.3% 4,814
Franklin 72.9% 308,379 27.1% 114,637
Fulton 38.6% 5,935 61.4% 9,424
Gallia 31.6% 2,373 68.4% 5,139
Geauga 54.7% 22,327 45.3% 18,503
Greene 49.3% 30,635 50.7% 31,507
Guernsey 46.8% 5,288 53.2% 6,005
Hamilton 65.1% 186,175 34.9% 99,819
Hancock 40.3% 10,552 59.7% 15,621
Hardin 41.3% 3,408 58.7% 4,843
Harrison 38.0% 1,741 62.0% 2,839
Henry 35.6% 3,507 64.4% 6,347
Highland 33.7% 4,005 66.3% 7,880
Hocking 47.8% 4,287 52.2% 4,674
Holmes 24.6% 2,156 75.4% 6,599
Huron 44.1% 7,922 55.9% 10,055
Jackson 37.6% 3,117 62.4% 5,178
Jefferson 40.7% 8,090 59.3% 11,808
Knox 42.1% 9,384 57.9% 12,898
Lake 60.5% 54,337 39.5% 35,504
Lawrence 33.9% 5,647 66.1% 11,002
Licking 50.9% 31,815 49.1% 30,748
Logan 37.4% 5,824 62.6% 9,736
Lorain 62.6% 69,097 37.4% 41,315
Lucas 63.9% 76,197 36.1% 43,012
Madison 46.8% 6,487 53.2% 7,364
Mahoning 56.3% 42,604 43.7% 33,015
Marion 49.5% 9,325 50.5% 9,519
Medina 55.2% 41,006 44.8% 33,242
Meigs 36.1% 2,366 63.9% 4,179
Mercer 21.5% 3,796 78.5% 13,850
Miami 39.6% 15,932 60.4% 24,258
Monroe 32.6% 1,355 67.4% 2,797
Montgomery 59.3% 100,475 40.7% 69,021
Morgan 42.3% 1,933 57.7% 2,641
Morrow 39.9% 5,209 60.1% 7,860
Muskingum 46.2% 11,620 53.8% 13,522
Noble 36.1% 1,494 63.9% 2,646
Ottawa 52.9% 9,061 47.1% 8,056
Paulding 28.9% 1,824 71.1% 4,480
Perry 42.0% 4,759 58.0% 6,560
Pickaway 44.8% 8,490 55.2% 10,461
Pike 39.2% 2,957 60.8% 4,594
Portage 60.9% 35,147 39.1% 22,547
Preble 37.0% 5,226 63.0% 8,913
Putnam 16.8% 2,430 83.2% 12,051
Richland 42.6% 17,124 57.4% 23,050
Ross 48.4% 10,372 51.6% 11,068
Sandusky 45.4% 9,270 54.6% 11,142
Scioto 36.7% 6,566 63.3% 11,321
Seneca 40.2% 7,179 59.8% 10,692
Shelby 24.3% 4,274 75.7% 13,316
Stark 53.3% 67,949 46.7% 59,629
Summit 65.5% 126,531 34.5% 66,755
Trumbull 57.4% 37,093 42.6% 27,495
Tuscarawas 46.3% 13,219 53.7% 15,319
Union 51.0% 13,209 49.0% 12,706
Van Wert 29.0% 2,809 71.0% 6,864
Vinton 37.6% 1,283 62.4% 2,127
Warren 47.5% 43,463 52.5% 47,963
Washington 40.6% 8,022 59.4% 11,715
Wayne 42.4% 15,911 57.6% 21,589
Williams 36.9% 4,481 63.1% 7,658
Wood 55.2% 25,929 44.8% 21,037
Wyandot 38.7% 3,006 61.3% 4,762

Reaction[edit]

Within a day of the close of polling, Ohio's top Republican leaders, who preside over majorities, suggested that action would be taken against the new abortion rights granted by Issue 1.[104] Ohio Republican House Speaker Jason Stephens said that Issue 1 is "not the end of the conversation" because there are "multiple paths that we will explore to continue to protect innocent life." A spokesperson for Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman reacted to the result: "This isn't the end. It is really just the beginning of a revolving door of ballot campaigns to repeal or replace Issue 1".[105]

Two days after the result, Ohio State Representatives Jennifer Gross, Bill Dean, Melanie Miller, and Beth Lear, all Republicans, released a statement calling Issue 1 "deceptive", declaring that "Ohio legislators will consider removing jurisdiction from the judiciary over this ambiguous ballot initiative" so that only Ohio legislators can "consider what, if any, modifications to make to existing laws", instead of Ohio courts.[106]

Rick Santorum, a Republican and former U.S. Senator, commented on the result of Issue 1 and a simultaneous Ohio voter ballot measure successfully legalising recreational marijuana: "You put very sexy things like abortion and marijuana on the ballot, and a lot of young people come out and vote. It was a secret sauce for disaster in Ohio … pure democracies are not the way to run a country."[107][108] Conservative commentator Sean Hannity urged Republicans to adopt a "safe, legal, and rare" framework on abortion.[23]

According to Jessie Hill, professor and associate dean at Case Western Reserve University School of Law, the only way the Issue 1 amendment could be challenged is if there were a change to federal law regarding abortion or if another Ohio constitutional amendment restricting abortion was passed, which would mean another election that over 50% of Ohio voters would need to approve.[109]

On December 15, 2023, The Ohio Supreme Court dismissed the state of Ohio's challenge to a lower court ruling from Hamilton County which stayed Ohio's 6-week abortion ban. In March 2023, the Ohio Supreme Court agreed to review the matter following a challenge from the state. However, following the passage of Issue 1, the Ohio Supreme Court dismissed the matter citing a change in the law.[110]

Voter demographics[edit]

Ohio Issue 1 vote by demographic subgroup
Demographic subgroup[111] Yes No % of
total vote
Total vote 56.6 43.4 100
Age
18–29 years old 77 23 12
30–44 years old 68 32 23
45–64 years old 53 47 35
65+ years old 45 55 30
Party ID
Democrat 92 8 32
Republican 18 82 35
Independent 64 36 33
Ideology
Liberal 94 6 34
Moderate 69 31 30
Conservative 13 87 36
Marital Status
Married 51 49 61
Unmarried 67 33 39
Married With Children?
Yes 56 44 23
No 57 43 77
Race
White 53 47 85
Black 83 17 10
Latino 73 27 3
Asian N/A N/A 1
Other N/A N/A 1
Gender
Male 53 47 47
Female 60 40 53
Area Type
Urban 70 30 40
Suburban 52 48 43
Rural 40 60 18
Abortion Should Be
Legal In All Cases 96 4 28
Legal In Most Cases 83 17 33
Illegal In Most Cases 6 94 25
Illegal In All Cases 3 97 12
White Born-Again or Evangelical Christian
Yes 24 76 30
No 71 29 70
Parents
Men With Children 53 47 14
Women With Children 62 38 16
Men Without Children 54 46 33
Women Without Children 59 41 37
Education
Never Attended College 42 58 18
Some College 60 40 23
Associate's Degree 54 46 14
Bachelor's Degree 58 42 25
Advanced Degree 68 32 19
Union Household
Yes 58 42 30
No 57 43 70
Feelings About Roe Being Overturned
Enthusiastic 7 93 18
Satisfied 21 79 18
Dissatisfied 68 32 22
Angry 93 7 38
2020 Presidential Vote
Biden 92 8 45
Trump 19 81 43
Another Candidate 65 35 5
Did Not Vote 71 29 4
Biden Approval
Strongly Approve 94 6 15
Somewhat Approve 91 9 24
Somewhat Disapprove 72 28 13
Strongly Disapprove 23 77 46

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "2023 Official Election Results". Ohio Secretary of State. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
  2. ^ Tebben, Susan (August 24, 2023). "Split ballot board approves reproductive rights amendment summary written by Ohio Sec. of State". Ohio Capital Journal. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
  3. ^ Smith, Julie Carr (August 24, 2023). "Backers blast approved ballot language for Ohio's fall abortion amendment as misleading". Associated Press. Retrieved August 29, 2023.
  4. ^ a b Walsh, Maeve (March 13, 2023). "Abortion rights amendment certified by Ohio Ballot Board". WCMH-TV. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
  5. ^ a b c Sherman, Carter (September 27, 2023). "Ohio supreme court battle over six-week abortion ban begins". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  6. ^ a b c Burnett, Sara; Fernando, Christine (August 9, 2023). "Ohio vote shows enduring power of abortion rights at ballot box, giving Democrats a path in 2024". ABC News. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
  7. ^ Balmert, Jessie (September 24, 2023). "Why Ohio abortion opponents aren't banning abortion before Issue 1 vote". Cincinnati Enquirer. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  8. ^ a b c d e Bazelon, Emily (September 12, 2023). "The Surprising Places Where Abortion Rights Are on the Ballot, and Winning". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved September 13, 2023.
  9. ^ a b c Weiner, Stacy; Ziegler, Mary (September 21, 2023). "Abortion in America: From Roe to Dobbs and beyond". AAMC. Retrieved September 23, 2023. In Ohio, the main force behind the ballot initiative was physicians who said we are not willing to practice medicine under this regime and we think voters support us.
  10. ^ a b Schladen, Marty (August 29, 2023). "Economists: Abortion protections will lead to better outcomes for Ohio women". Ohio Capital Journal. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
  11. ^ a b c d e f Wines, Michael (August 8, 2023). "What's at Stake in Ohio's Referendum on Amending the State Constitution". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
  12. ^ a b Walsh, Maeve (July 17, 2023). "Ohio religious groups divided on abortion, Issue 1". WCMH-TV. Retrieved September 23, 2023.
  13. ^ Jaramillo, Cassandra (July 31, 2023). "Doctors Emerge as Political Force in Battle Over Abortion Laws in Ohio and Elsewhere". ProPublica. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
  14. ^ Editorial Board (September 17, 2023). "Trump's Terrible Abortion Comments". National Review. Retrieved October 25, 2023. Florida, Ohio, Georgia, and Iowa all have the sort of pro-life laws that Trump is now condemning.
  15. ^ Swan, Jonathan; Haberman, Maggie (September 17, 2023). "'A Terrible Mistake': Trump Criticizes DeSantis on Abortion Ban". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
  16. ^ Horn, Dan (September 15, 2023). "Catholic Church gave $900K to fight Ohio's abortion rights amendment". The Cincinnati Enquirer. Archived from the original on September 18, 2023. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  17. ^ a b Lerer, Lisa; Goldmacher, Shane (November 4, 2023). "Will Abortion Dominate the 2024 Elections? Tuesday Will Offer Clues". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
  18. ^ "Ohio's abortion rights ballot measure could provide insights into 2024 elections". PBS NewsHour. November 7, 2023. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
  19. ^ Bazelon, Emily (September 12, 2023). "The Surprising Places Where Abortion Rights Are on the Ballot, and Winning". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
  20. ^ Knowles, Hannah (November 7, 2023). "Abortion rights advocates win major victories in Ohio, Kentucky". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  21. ^ "Abortion rights win big in 2023 off-year elections". Axios. November 7, 2023.
  22. ^ "Exit polls for Ohio ballot measure election results 2023 | CNN Politics". CNN. November 7, 2023. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  23. ^ a b Luciano, Michael (November 8, 2023). "Hannity Resigns Himself to Abortion Rights Victory in Ohio: 'If We're Really Gonna Be Honest About This…'". Mediaite. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  24. ^ Filer, Christine; Langer, Gary; De Jong, Allison (November 7, 2023). "Ohio voters broadly support abortion access, early exit poll of ballot measure shows". ABC News. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  25. ^ Hauser, Christine (July 5, 2023). "Man Gets Life Sentence in Rape of Child Who Traveled for Abortion". The New York Times. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
  26. ^ Bruner, Bethany; Trombly, Monroe; Cook, Tony (July 13, 2022). "Arrest made in rape of Ohio girl that led to Indiana abortion drawing international attention". The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved August 5, 2022.
  27. ^ Bushard, Brian (July 22, 2022). "Ohio Man Indicted For Raping 9-Year-Old Who Was Forced To Travel To Indiana For Abortion". Forbes. Retrieved January 2, 2023.
  28. ^ Bischoff, Laura (July 14, 2022). "Ohio AG Dave Yost cast doubt on 10-year-old rape victim case, now 'rejoices' at arrest". USA Today. Retrieved July 16, 2022.
  29. ^ Robertson, Katie (July 14, 2022). "Facts Were Sparse on an Abortion Case. But That Didn't Stop the Attacks". The New York Times. Retrieved July 16, 2022.
  30. ^ Messerly, Megan; Wren, Adam (July 14, 2022). "National Right to Life official: 10-year-old should have had baby". Politico. Retrieved July 16, 2022.
  31. ^ Simmons-Duffin, Selena (November 15, 2022). "Her miscarriage left her bleeding profusely. An Ohio ER sent her home to wait". NPR. Retrieved September 10, 2023.
  32. ^ Staver, Anna; Balmert, Jessie (February 21, 2023). "Abortion in Ohio: What does proposed constitutional amendment say?". The Cincinnati Enquirer. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
  33. ^ Donaldson, Sarah (March 2, 2023). "Petition for proposed abortion rights amendment gets certified by Ohio attorney general". WCMH-TV. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
  34. ^ Burlij, Terence; Forrest, Jack (July 25, 2023). "Abortion rights amendment qualifies for November ballot in Ohio | CNN Politics". CNN. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
  35. ^ Raman, Sandhya (August 9, 2023). "Ohio voters reject push to hinder abortion rights amendment". Roll Call. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
  36. ^ Pelzer, Jeremy (August 11, 2023). "Ohio's GOP-controlled Supreme Court rejects legal challenge to proposed abortion-rights amendment". cleveland.com. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  37. ^ Wildow, Samantha (August 11, 2023). "Ohio Supreme Court denies challenge to abortion amendment, clearing way for November vote". Dayton Daily News. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  38. ^ Miller, Hayley E.; Fraz, Farsam; Zhang, Jiaqi; Henkel, Andrea; Leonard, Stephanie A.; Maskatia, Shiraz A.; El-Sayed, Yasser Y.; Blumenfeld, Yair J. (September 1, 2023). "Abortion Bans and Resource Utilization for Congenital Heart Disease: A Decision Analysis". Obstetrics and Gynecology. 142 (3): 652–659. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000005291. ISSN 1873-233X. PMID 37535962.
  39. ^ Smith, Wesley J. (August 21, 2023). "Medical Journal Opposes Abortion Restrictions in the Name of Containing Health-Care Costs". National Review. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
  40. ^ Wonnell, Gabrielle. "Catholic: 'Abortion stigma' is real in the church. Forced pregnancy is worse". The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved September 23, 2023.
  41. ^ a b c d Tobias, Andrew (August 22, 2023). "What Ohio Right to Life's firing of a top staffer shows about the challenges facing the anti-abortion movement: Analysis". The Plain Dealer. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
  42. ^ Kaplan, Josh (August 16, 2023). "Jewish congressmen attack former Trump staffer over controversial Jesus tweet". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
  43. ^ "Ohio Supreme Court approves abortion rights amendment Ballot Board summary for voters with one tweak". Ohio Capitol Journal. September 20, 2023.
  44. ^ a b Meegan, Molly (August 29, 2023). "ACOG Condemns the Politically Charged Language in the Ohio Ballot Initiative Summary". The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
  45. ^ Russo, Jude (August 11, 2023). "Why the Pro-Life Movement Is Losing". The American Conservative. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
  46. ^ Russo, Jude (September 7, 2023). "This Year's Abortion Numbers Are a Wake-Up Call". The American Conservative. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
  47. ^ a b c Trau, Morgan (April 10, 2023). "Fact Check: Ohio abortion amendment says nothing about transgender or parental rights, contrary to ad's claims". News 5 Cleveland WEWS. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
  48. ^ Pezzulo, Mary (September 13, 2023). "Ohio's Abortion Amendment: Why is the Pro-life Movement Lying?". Steel Magnificat. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
  49. ^ Hancock, Laura (October 19, 2023). "Barack Obama tells Ohioans to vote 'yes' on Issue 1, the abortion amendment". The Plain Dealer. Retrieved October 25, 2023.
  50. ^ a b Tebben, Susan (August 10, 2023). "Local, national groups praise Issue 1 defeat, buckle up for November fight". Ohio Capital Journal. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  51. ^ "Both sides weigh in on Ohio Issue 1". WBNS-TV. October 23, 2023. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  52. ^ a b Gaynor, Gerren Keith (August 9, 2023). "Ohio vote on Issue 1 continues to signal abortion as winning issue for Democrats". TheGrio. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  53. ^ a b c Ollstein, Alice Miranda; Fernandez, Madison (October 29, 2023). "Abortion referendum offers Ohio Democrats a playbook for '24". Politico. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
  54. ^ a b Dann, Marc; Crossman, Jeffrey A. (October 25, 2023). "Former Ohio AG and AG candidate issue rebuttal to Issue 1 legal analysis put out by current AG". The Athans Messenger. Retrieved October 25, 2023.
  55. ^ Hicks-Hudson, Paula. "VOTE YES ON ISSUE 1". The Ohio Senate. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
  56. ^ Blackshear Jr., Willis (November 3, 2023). "VOICES: We can vote to restore our freedoms by voting Yes on Issue 1". Dayton Daily News. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
  57. ^ Grim, Michele (October 24, 2023). "To the editor: State Rep. Grim backs Issues 1 & 2". The Blade. Retrieved October 25, 2023.
  58. ^ Opfer, Darrell (November 2, 2023). "To the editor: Confused about Ohio state Issue 1?". The Blade. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
  59. ^ Hainkel, Kristen (October 3, 2023). "Ohio House Minority Leader Russo visits Marietta". The Marietta Times. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  60. ^ Somani, Anita (November 5, 2023). "VOICES: Ohio voters deserve facts on Issue 1". Dayton Daily News. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
  61. ^ a b Fahmy, Natalie (August 9, 2023). "Ohio lawmakers react to Issue 1 election results". WCMH-TV. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  62. ^ Houmard, Celeste (October 18, 2023). "Cleveland mayor speaks to Fox 8 News, endorses Issue 1". FOX 8. Retrieved October 25, 2023.
  63. ^ a b Tobias, Andrew J. (September 3, 2023). "The Catholic Church will campaign against Ohio's abortion-rights amendment. What about the separation of church and state?". The Plain Dealer. Retrieved September 4, 2023.
  64. ^ a b c d Associated Press and Spectrum News staff (October 27, 2023). "Abortion rights supporters far outraise opponents and rake in out-of-state money in Ohio election". Spectrum News. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  65. ^ Shillcock, George (October 30, 2023). "Sherrod Brown takes stance on Issue 2 while JD Vance remains silent ahead of Election Day". WOSU. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
  66. ^ Timmaraju, Mini (November 5, 2023). "Ohio voters finally get a chance to overturn dangerous abortion ban". Salon. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
  67. ^ a b Balmert, Jessie (March 13, 2023). "Abortion rights advocates get green light to collect signatures for 2023 ballot measure". The Cincinnati Enquirer. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  68. ^ "INTRODUCING OHIOANS FOR REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM, A COHORT TO SECURE EXPLICIT ABORTION ACCESS IN THE STATE CONSTITUTION". ACLU Ohio. December 12, 2022. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  69. ^ "A win for voting rights & abortion access in Ohio". Bend the Arc. August 9, 2023. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  70. ^ a b Quinn, Melissa (August 9, 2023). "After Ohio Issue 1's defeat, focus turns to abortion rights amendment on November ballot". CBS News. Retrieved September 4, 2023.
  71. ^ Amos, Madelyn (April 5, 2023). "Protect Choice Ohio Coalition Pushes for Ballot Initiative on Abortion". Feminist Majority Foundation. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  72. ^ "FFRF's Ohio billboard defends abortion rights". Freedom From Religion Foundation. August 22, 2023. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  73. ^ Farley, Philena I. (October 23, 2023). "Ohio Green Party Newsletter Highlights – October 2023". Ohio Green Party. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
  74. ^ HRC staff (August 15, 2023). "Human Rights Campaign Endorses Ohio Ballot Initiative to Secure Abortion as a Legal Right in Ohio". Human Rights Campaign. Retrieved September 4, 2023.
  75. ^ Ware, Hannah (August 9, 2023). "Ohio Voters Reject Issue 1". NASW Ohio Chapter. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  76. ^ "Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio is a proud member of Ohioans United for Reproductive Rights". Planned Parenthood. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  77. ^ Dispatch Editorial Board (October 26, 2023). "Issue 1 opponents want Ohio to have the most extreme abortion ban in US. Don't let them". The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
  78. ^ Editorial Board (November 3, 2023). "Vote to Protect Abortion Rights, Legalize Marijuana, Prevent Gerrymandering". The Oberlin Review. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
  79. ^ Oldfield, Steve (May 10, 2023). "Pence joins latest Ohio fight against abortion access". Spectrum News. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  80. ^ Thies, Breccan F. (October 6, 2023). "JD Vance urges Ohio to vote 'no' on abortion ballot measure: 'This is not about freedom'". Washington Examiner. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  81. ^ a b c d e f g h i Tobias, Andrew J. (August 17, 2023). "Gov. Mike DeWine, Catholic bishop, to help raise money in Cleveland to defeat November abortion amendment". The Plain Dealer. Retrieved September 4, 2023.
  82. ^ Blackwell, Ken (November 2, 2023). "Ohio's Issue 1 is About More Than Abortion". Townhall. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
  83. ^ a b Tebben, Susan (August 24, 2023). "Split ballot board approves reproductive rights amendment summary written by Ohio Sec. of State". Ohio Capital Journal. Retrieved September 4, 2023.
  84. ^ Ingles, Jo (October 8, 2023). "Supporters of abortion, reproductive rights amendment rally in cities throughout Ohio". Statehouse News Bureau. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  85. ^ a b LeBus, Mary (October 11, 2023). "The Ohio ballot explained: Everything you need to know for the November Election". FOX 19. Retrieved October 25, 2023.
  86. ^ Heil, Hannah (October 7, 2023). "DeSales student shares why Ohio March for Life, Mass have special meaning for her". The Catholic Times. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  87. ^ Click, Gary (August 5, 2023). "Click: Clarity on Issue One". Fremont News Messenger. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  88. ^ Blasius, Patrick (September 27, 2023). "Right to Life encourages voting no on Issue 1". Putnam County Sentinel. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  89. ^ Seitz, Bill (October 12, 2023). "Abortionists trying to trick voters into granting infanticide on demand". The Cincinnati Enquirer. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
  90. ^ Szilagy, Sarah (August 8, 2023). "Ohio voters reject Issue 1 in special election". WCMH-TV. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  91. ^ Lehner, Peggy (November 5, 2023). "VOICES: Issue 1 will enshrine in our Constitution one of the most extreme abortion laws in our nation". Dayton Daily News. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
  92. ^ Bonnar, David J. "Bishop Bonnar on the November Abortion Amendment". Catholic Diocese of Youngstown. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  93. ^ Fernandes, Earl (July 16, 2023). "Defending human life remains a moral issue and not a political one". The Catholic Times. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  94. ^ Schnurr, Dennis M. (August 12, 2023). "Letter to the Faithful Opposing the November Amendment". Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  95. ^ Foley, Ryan (November 6, 2023). "Michael W. Smith tells Ohioans to vote 'no' on Issue 1: 'This is a spiritual battle'". The Christian Post. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
  96. ^ Thomas, Daniel E. (August 25, 2023). "Statement of Bishop Daniel E. Thomas Regarding Issue #1 Being Placed on the November Ballot". Diocese of Toledo. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  97. ^ Wilcox, Jeremiah (October 7, 2023). "Rallies on both sides of Issue 1 intensify ahead of election". ABC6. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  98. ^ Evans, Nick (May 5, 2023). "Ohio Republican Party committee votes to support amendment change, oppose abortion rights". Ohio Capital Journal. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  99. ^ Editorial Board (October 22, 2023). "Editorial: Issue 1 overreach". The Blade. Retrieved October 25, 2023.
  100. ^ Akron Beacon Journal Editorial Board (October 13, 2023). "Here's our analysis of Ohio Issue 1 guaranteeing abortion rights in state's constitution". Akron Beacon Journal. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
  101. ^ Editorial Board (October 15, 2023). "Light and not just heat - editorial board members offer their views on Issue 1, giving voters a chance to read a range of perspectives". The Plain Dealer. Retrieved October 25, 2023.
  102. ^ a b "Abortion rights campaign beats opponents in campaign donations and spending ahead of election". NBC4. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
  103. ^ a b "The Enquirer Subscription Offers, Specials, and Discounts". subscribe.cincinnati.com. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
  104. ^ Bemiller, Haley (November 8, 2023). "Will of the voters? Republicans in Ohio pledge to push back on abortion, marijuana". USA Today. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
  105. ^ Zuckerman, Jake (November 8, 2023). "After voters back abortion and pot, GOP leaders signal plans to undermine referendums". cleveland.com. Archived from the original on November 8, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
  106. ^ Balmert, Jessie (November 10, 2023). "Ohio GOP lawmakers propose stripping judges of power to interpret abortion rights, Issue 1". Cincinnati Enquirer. Retrieved November 11, 2023.
  107. ^ Crisp, Elizabeth (November 8, 2023). "Bemoaning Ohio results, Santorum says 'pure democracies' aren't how to run a country". The Hill. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
  108. ^ Otten, Tori (November 8, 2023). "Rick Santorum Says Quiet Part Out Loud After Republican Election Losses". The New Republic. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
  109. ^ Lewis, Frank W.; Wilder, Candice (November 9, 2023). "Issue 1 vote means abortion access is now protected in the Ohio constitution. What happens next?". Signal Cleveland. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  110. ^ "Ohio Supreme Court dismisses challenge to order blocking enforcement of abortion ban". PBS. The Associated Press. December 16, 2023. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
  111. ^ "Exit polls for Ohio ballot measure election results 2023 | CNN Politics". CNN. Retrieved January 30, 2024.

External links[edit]