Ohio’s Republican Governor, Mike DeWine, recently expressed his concerns about a November abortion measure in Ohio, stating that it goes beyond what most Ohio voters want and is even more extreme than Roe v. Wade. In an exclusive interview with Digital, DeWine explained why he felt compelled to run his first-ever ad addressing a state ballot measure and why he believes the proposed constitutional amendment is not consistent with Ohio’s values.
DeWine, along with his wife, expressed their strong opposition to the November constitutional amendment on abortion through an ad urging Ohioans to vote “No” on Issue 1. The governor highlighted that the amendment would allow abortion at any point in the pregnancy and would negate Ohio’s existing law prohibiting partial-birth abortion. He also emphasized that the amendment would infringe on parents’ rights and the relationship between parents and their daughters, as it would eliminate the requirement for parental consent for minors seeking an abortion.
Critics of Issue 1, including Protect Women Ohio, have raised concerns about the future of partial-birth and late-term abortions in the state. They have pointed to a significant contribution from Dr. Martin Haskell, whom they describe as “the inventor of the partial-birth abortion procedure,” in support of the constitutional amendment.
DeWine criticized the deceptive ads run by groups supporting a “Yes” vote on Issue 1, stating that they have been misleading voters. He pointed out that claims about guaranteeing help for miscarriages are misleading, as medical assistance is already readily available in hospitals and through doctors. He urged voters to carefully examine the language of the constitutional amendment and how courts have defined abortion-related issues in the past.
The governor emphasized that even under Roe v. Wade, Ohio was allowed to implement some restrictions on abortion, such as parental notification and laws pertaining to children with disabilities. However, this amendment would invalidate those measures and remove essential “guardrails” around abortion.
DeWine’s opposition to the November abortion measure aligns with his commitment to focusing on the science behind the issue. He stressed that even those who support abortion rights generally do not believe that abortion should be permitted up until birth. The governor believes it is crucial to inform Ohio voters about the radical nature of this constitutional amendment, regardless of their stance on abortion.
Ohio’s Republican Attorney General, Dave Yost, conducted a comprehensive analysis of the potential impact of approving the amendment. Yost concluded that the amendment goes beyond what Roe and Casey said and would invalidate several existing abortion restrictions, including the Heartbeat Act and laws prohibiting Down Syndrome discrimination and partial-birth abortion.
Supporters of Issue 1 argue that the constitutional amendment upholds personal autonomy and ensures that personal decisions regarding abortion are made by individuals and their families, free from intrusive government oversight.
In conclusion, Governor DeWine’s opposition to the November abortion measure reflects concerns about its extreme nature and its potential implications for Ohio’s existing abortion laws. He urges voters to carefully consider the language of the constitutional amendment and its impact on parental rights and abortion restrictions. The outcome of this vote will have significant implications for abortion policy in Ohio.
