Ohio Governor DeWine Criticizes 'Radical' Abortion Amendment Ahead of Statewide Vote
ICARO Media Group
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has expressed his opposition to a proposed constitutional amendment, called Issue 1, which seeks to establish abortion protections in the state's constitution. In a recent interview on CBS News's "Face The Nation," DeWine referred to the measure as a "radical proposal" that goes too far, regardless of one's stance on abortion.
With the referendum set to appear on the ballot this Tuesday, Ohio has become a focal point for advocates on both sides of the reproductive rights debate. Supporters and opponents of the amendment have held rallies and actively campaigned for their respective positions, drawing attention from political leaders and celebrities alike.
Following the Supreme Court's decision last year to overturn Roe v. Wade, Ohio passed a six-week abortion ban, although a state court halted the ban last fall. Issue 1 is seen as a potential litmus test for Democrats, as they aim to gauge public support for broader abortion protections in a traditionally conservative-leaning state.
Governor DeWine, who had previously released an advertisement alongside his wife urging voters to reject the measure, has raised concerns about the lack of oversight in determining the "viability" of the fetus, which refers to the ability to survive outside the uterus. He stated that the individual performing the abortion, such as at Planned Parenthood, would have sole discretion in making that determination, without any review process.
DeWine also pointed out that the proposed amendment includes a wide exception clause related to the health of the mother. He emphasized that the Supreme Court's broad definition of "health" could encompass factors such as income, number of children, and other life circumstances, leaving the decision ultimately in the hands of the clinic performing the abortion.
Critics argue that the bill, as it currently stands, would allow for unrestricted abortions at any stage of pregnancy, a position that DeWine and others believe is an extreme measure.
Ohio residents have shown a significant interest in this issue, with reports indicating a surge in early voting leading up to Tuesday's vote. The outcome of the referendum could have far-reaching implications, not only for Ohio but potentially for the broader debate over reproductive rights across the country.