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COLUMBUS, Ohio - In a startling move, a group of fringe Ohio Republican lawmakers are attempting to defy the will of the people after the legalization and protection of abortion and reproductive care access in Ohio was decisively approved. The passing of Issue 1, a proposal to enshrine abortion access into the state constitution, received a 57-43% majority on election night. However, Statehouse Republicans, represented by lawmakers such as Jennifer Gross (R-West Chester), Bill Dean (R-Xenia), Melanie Miller (R-Ashland), and Beth Lear (R-Galena), have expressed their intent to challenge and alter the democratic process.

These lawmakers, who have been described by their Republican colleagues as being on the extreme end of the caucus, have now expressed their desire to strip judges and justices of their authority in evaluating abortion issues. Citing perceptions of "mischief by pro-abortion courts," the lawmakers aim to give the Ohio legislature exclusive authority to modify existing laws based on public hearings and input from legal experts on both sides, as stated in a press release on the Ohio House Republicans' website.

A draft legislation obtained by media outlets reveals the lawmakers' intention to withdraw jurisdiction from all state courts and dismiss ongoing lawsuits or claims related to abortion. Violation of this legislation could result in misdemeanor charges and possible impeachment. However, constitutional experts and legal scholars are quick to criticize the proposed legislation, citing constitutional rights and separation of powers as fundamental principles that should not be violated.

Notably, despite the lawmakers' claims of foreign election interference as the reason for Issue 1's passage, no evidence supporting this assertion has been presented. Additionally, statements from lawmakers like Beth Lear, who argues that the constitutional amendment isn't valid, have been largely dismissed by nonpartisan constitutional legal experts.

While these lawmakers may attempt to pass the legislation, it would ultimately need to withstand judicial scrutiny from the very judges whom they seek to strip of power. Legal experts believe that the courts would likely strike down any attempts to undermine the constitutional amendment and the principles it upholds, including due process and equal protection.

Critics argue that the real issue lies in the lawmakers' refusal to accept the will of the people as expressed through the passage of Issue 1. Former Republican Ohio Supreme Court Justice Paul Pfeifer states that it is insulting to judges if any proposal threatens to take away their power, particularly when such proposals are unconstitutional and lack judicial support.

Governor Mike DeWine, despite being anti-abortion, acknowledges the importance of accepting the will of the people. However, he adds vague caveats to his acceptance. A dozen Statehouse Republicans varying in their anti-abortion beliefs have expressed that the proposed legislation will never materialize. Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers are astounded by the audacity of their Republican colleagues, highlighting the threat this move poses to American democracy and individual freedom.

In response, Democratic representatives have introduced legislation aimed at repealing numerous abortion restrictions in state law. Nevertheless, it is unlikely that these bills will gain traction in the Republican-controlled statehouse.

While the fringe Ohio lawmakers plan to challenge Issue 1 in court, legal experts deem their attempts to undermine abortion access legally unfounded. Instead, critics suggest that lawmakers focus on upholding the bipartisan will of the people and respecting healthcare decisions made between women and their doctors.

It remains to be seen how this controversial issue will unfold, but it is clear that the battle over abortion access in Ohio is far from over.