Ohio voters have added reproductive rights to the state constitution following the passing of Issue 1, marking a significant victory for the pro-choice movement in the wake of the Dobbs decision.
The measure, known as the Right to Make Reproductive Decisions Including Abortion Initiative, was ahead by 55% to 41% with about 85% of the vote counted, and major news organizations called the race around 9 p.m.
The amendment states that the state shall not burden, penalize, prohibit, interfere with, or discriminate against individuals seeking abortions, contraception, and other reproductive-related medical services.
Abortion may be limited after fetal viability, but any post-viability restrictions may be overridden by the treating doctor to protect the pregnant patient’s life or health.
The passing of Issue 1 was celebrated by pro-choice advocates as a demonstration of the enduring belief in reproductive freedom and a potential precursor to more victories in 2024.
Issue 1 is the seventh state to vote on an abortion-related measure since the Dobbs decision, with the pro-choice side emerging victorious in each of the prior six state elections.
As a state constitutional amendment, Issue 1 would take precedence over Ohio’s current abortion law and pending heartbeat law, potentially impacting parental consent requirements and limiting the legislature’s ability to pass abortion access restrictions.
The campaign for and against Issue 1 was the most expensive abortion-related fight since the Dobbs decision, with over $70 million collectively spent by both sides.
The passing of Issue 1 has implications beyond Ohio, serving as an important marker in the ongoing battle over reproductive rights across the country.
