The constitutional amendment on reproductive rights proposed for the fall ballot has cleared the first hurdle. Although he has made clear he does not personally support it, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has certified the petition language for the constitional amendment.
The Ohio Ballot Board has 10 days to sign off, then supporters must collect signatures equal to 10 percent of voters in the 2022 election, with 5 percent of the voters in each of at least 44 counties. Signatures need to be verified by July 5th.
In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court decision that turned abortion regulation over to the states, Ohio legislators approved a law banning all abortions after fetal cardiac activity is detected. That law is currently on hold by court order.
The amendment language says individuals have the right to make their own own reproductive rights "including but not limited to decisions on contraception, fertility treatment, continuing one’s own pregnancy, miscarriage care and abortion."
In a release Thursday from Ohio Right to Life, CEO Peter Range said the proposed amendment would cancel parental rights, and erase basic health and safety protections for women.
