For women in Ohio, the issue of reproductive freedom is not a political issue, but a personal one.
How Ohio’s Supreme Court elections could affect abortion access
The fate of Ohio’s abortion restrictions depends on the state Supreme Court elections in November, which could determine the court’s majority.
One year ago, Ohioans turned out in force to vote in a deliberately and questionably scheduled mid-summer special election. Politicians and a billionaire from another state poured millions of dollars into misleading ads and pushed a ballot initiative that was nothing more than a cynical ploy to game the system and restrict abortion rights.
Ohioans saw through this plot and made it clear, overwhelmingly, that they are committed to protecting abortion rights in Ohio. Following the August victory, just three months later, voters again turned out in droves to overwhelmingly support the Abortion Rights Amendment, which would enshrine reproductive rights in Ohio’s Constitution. Ohioans made it clear where they stand: a woman’s health care decisions should be between her and her doctor – not politicians. But unfortunately, despite these decisive victories last year, our fight for abortion rights and reproductive freedom is not over.
Women in Ohio cannot Trust Bernie Moreno to protect reproductive rights | Opinion
Politicians, including my Senate opponent Bernie Moreno, are working on a national abortion ban that would overturn the will of Ohioans. Even after Ohio voters tried to settle the issue, my opponent continues to stand firm, saying his position is “crystal clear” and “hasn’t changed.” Just last month, he told CNN he still supports a national abortion ban. In his own words, he said he is “100 percent pro-life, no exceptions.” He donated $100,000 of his own money last November to block abortion rights and maintain Ohio’s dangerous abortion ban with no exceptions for rape or incest. Moreno opposes birth control protections, has dismissed IVF as a “non-issue,” and has called federal protections for IVF “unnecessary.” My opponent has made it clear that he thinks he knows better than the people of Ohio, or that he just doesn’t care what we think. Standing up against that kind of arrogance is one of the most important aspects of my job. I have always fought for the freedom of Ohio women to make their own decisions about their health care, and I always will. In fact, before our first date, my wife Connie checked my voting record on abortion rights. If it hadn’t been 100%, there would have been no first date. I’m happy to say we have been married for 20 years.
For Ohio women, this issue is not political; it is personal. Ohio women remember the fear and stress after Roe v. Wade was overturned. We cannot go back to bans, to women panicking and leaving the state to seek emergency care, to doctors consulting lawyers instead of patients when a woman’s life is on the line. And this November, the choice is clear: We must protect the freedom Ohioans have demanded, or we must take it away from a politician who thinks he knows better. I am confident that in November, Ohioans will make their support for abortion rights as clear as they did last year. And with your support, I will continue to fight for these freedoms for women across Ohio in the U.S. Senate.Sherrod Brown is Ohio’s oldest U.S. Senator.
