Ohio voters pass Issue 1 on abortion access

Voters in Ohio have passed a measure that enshrines the right to an abortion in the Ohio Constitution, the Associated Press has projected.

News Center 7 previously reported Issue 1 would “Establish in the Constitution of the State of Ohio an individual right to one’s own reproductive medical treatment,” according to the ballot language.

>>WHIO Election Page

This includes decisions about abortion, contraception, fertility treatment, miscarriage care, and continuing pregnancy.

A “yes” vote also supports allowing the state to restrict abortion after fetal viability, which happens around 24 weeks. There is an exception for when it’s necessary to protect the pregnant patient’s life or health.

A “no” vote opposes amending the Ohio Constitution to establish the constitutional right to make and carry out a person’s own reproductive decisions.

>>Election Day 2023: Ohioans to decide on 2 statewide issues today

This issue comes after the overturning of Roe v. Wade last year, and abortion laws became a state issue.

The amendment will become effective 30 days after the election — on Dec. 7.

©2023 Cox Media Group