COLUMBUS, Ohio — Two abortion-rights groups based in Ohio are teaming up to create a constitutional amendment to enshrine abortion access on the ballot for the November election this year.
In a joint statement released on Thursday, Ohio Physicians for Reproductive Rights and Ohioans for Reproductive Freedom announced plans to file language with Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s office to place a constitutional amendment to restore and protect reproductive rights and abortion access.
If the language is approved by Yost and the Ohio Ballot Board, petitioners would then get the signatures needed to place the issue on this year’s ballot.
Dr. Lauren Beene, the executive director of Ohio Physicians for Reproductive Rights, says the effort would help doctors and patients make decisions on pregnancy, birth control and abortion.
Beth Vanderkooi, the executive director for Greater Columbus Right to Life, responded to the organizations’ announcement, calling the amendment a “disingenuous effort.”
Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022, abortion-rights advocates in different states have been fighting to establish and enshrine reproductive rights.
In Ohio, a federal judge has placed the statewide ban on most abortions on hold as a constitutional challenge is being heard.
Yost has appealed to the Ohio Supreme Court to block the judge’s order, asking that it be reversed. He also wants justices to “grant review” to decide whether the Ohio Constitution guarantees a right to abortion and whether abortion providers, rather than women seeking abortions, may sue to enforce it.
