COLUMBUS: As the clock counts down to a critical vote in the US state of Ohio, activists are making a final push to persuade voters to decide whether to explicitly enshrine the right to abortion in the state’s constitution. This emotionally charged issue has garnered intense interest, and the outcome may serve as a gauge of national sentiment on the matter, with pivotal elections looming a year away.
Ohio residents have been casting their votes in advance for weeks, but activists from both sides of the abortion debate are canvassing up to the last minute. On a sunny morning, 27-year-old Summer McLain and her mother, Lorie, are diligently knocking on doors in Columbus, advocating for a “yes” vote on the constitutional amendment to protect the right to abortion.
Their efforts illustrate the dedication of passionate individuals who have taken action in response to the Supreme Court’s decision to remove federal protection for abortion rights in 2022. The shock of this decision prompted a visceral reaction, leading many like McLain to become actively involved in the campaign to put a proposed constitutional amendment before voters.
The Supreme Court’s move, influenced by the appointment of conservative justices during Donald Trump’s presidency, overturned the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that had secured abortion rights for decades. McLain, who had previously voted for Trump, now identifies as a staunch Democrat and is determined to help “save Ohio” through the abortion ballot measure.
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On the other side of the issue, proponents of abortion rights remain steadfast, especially after several 2022 votes in various states upheld these rights, even in conservative areas. In Ohio, the Republican Party and the Catholic Church are rallying for a “no” vote, characterizing the proposed amendment as “extreme.”
The amendment aims to safeguard every woman’s right to make and execute her own reproductive decisions regarding abortion and contraception. While supporters view it as a progressive step, opponents argue that it could allow minors to terminate pregnancies without parental consent and potentially permit abortions at any stage of pregnancy. These assertions are hotly contested by the opposing camp, which denounces them as “misinformation.”
With both sides waging passionate campaigns, the outcome of this pivotal vote will be revealed on Tuesday.
