In a bold move, Ohio's Republican Governor Mike DeWine has taken a stand against a proposed constitutional amendment that seeks to protect abortion rights in the state. In an interview with Fox News Digital, DeWine expressed his concerns about the amendment, arguing that it goes "way, way too far" and is not in line with the wishes of most Ohio voters.

The contentious constitutional amendment, known as Issue 1, is set to be voted on by Ohio residents in November. DeWine and his wife, Fran, made their opposition clear by running their first-ever ad addressing a state ballot measure, urging constituents to vote "No" on Issue 1.

DeWine cited several reasons for his opposition to the proposed amendment. One major concern is that it would allow abortions at any point during pregnancy, effectively overturning Ohio's long-standing law prohibiting partial birth abortion. The governor also pointed out that the amendment would eliminate the requirement for parental consent when a minor seeks an abortion, diminishing parents' rights and involvement in their child's important decision.

Furthermore, DeWine criticized supporters of the amendment for running misleading ads, including one that falsely claimed the amendment would guarantee help in the case of miscarriages. The governor stressed that medical assistance in such situations is already readily available through hospitals and doctors.

If passed, the amendment would make Ohio one of the most permissive states in the country with regards to abortion rights. DeWine firmly believes that this is not reflective of Ohio's values and stated, "It's not who we are. It's not where we are."

DeWine also expressed concern about the potential consequences of the amendment. He argued that it would invalidate existing restrictions on abortion that were allowed under Supreme Court cases such as Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey. These restrictions include parental notification and laws preventing abortion based on a child's disability.

While abortion remains a contentious issue, DeWine believes that the proposed constitutional amendment goes too far and is too radical to be enshrined in the state constitution. He chose to address voters directly in an ad filmed from his kitchen, hoping to emphasize the significance of the amendment and its potential impact.

Attorney General Dave Yost, also a Republican, echoed DeWine's concerns in a comprehensive analysis of the amendment. Yost concluded that voting "Yes" on Issue 1 would extend beyond the scope of previous abortion rulings, invalidating multiple abortion restrictions in Ohio.

Supporters of the amendment argue that it is necessary to protect personal autonomy and ensure that individuals and their families have the right to make personal decisions without government interference.

With the November vote fast approaching, Ohio residents now face a critical decision that will shape the future of abortion rights in their state. Governor DeWine has made his stance clear, urging voters to carefully consider the language of the amendment and its potential ramifications before casting their votes.