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Internet rejoices as Ohio approves Issue 1 enshrining right to abortion in state constitution

Ohio voters have approved a ballot measure to amend the state constitution to establish a right to abortion

OHIO: In a monumental victory for reproductive rights, Ohio has taken a bold step to safeguard the right to abortion within its state constitution, Daily Mail reports. 

After a tense and closely-watched referendum, the Ohio electorate resoundingly supported an amendment that not only guarantees access to abortion but also bolsters an array of other reproductive rights.

Joe Biden hails Ohio's decision to protect abortion rights

Seventeen months after the Roe v Wade reversal, Ohio's predominantly Republican-controlled legislature witnessed a groundswell of support for Issue 1, the ballot initiative aimed at solidifying women's autonomy over their reproductive health.

This momentous outcome stands as a resounding win for advocates of reproductive rights, particularly the Democratic camp, which eyes this issue as a potent rallying point for the 2024 elections.

President Joe Biden, hailing the Ohio decision, positioned it as a triumph over "MAGA Republican elected officials" who have sought to "impose extreme abortion bans that put the health and lives of women in jeopardy."

The President's endorsement underscores the national significance of this Ohio referendum in the ongoing battle over abortion rights.

Ohio's Issue 1 affirms women's rights

Ohio's Issue 1 comprehensively affirms women's rights to make autonomous decisions regarding abortion, contraception, fertility treatment, miscarriage care, and pregnancy.

This progressive measure marks a significant step towards safeguarding reproductive choices for the state's women.

The amendment keeps abortion legal in Ohio for up to 22 weeks of pregnancy, even as Ohio's GOP had aggressively pushed for a restrictive six-week ban following the Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health Organization decision in June 2022.

The amendment does incorporate some exceptions, permitting late-term abortions only if the mother's life is in imminent danger or if a medical professional deems it necessary.

While the Ohio referendum finds favor with the pro-choice faction, it has drawn sharp opposition from Republicans, including Governor Mike DeWine, who expressed concerns that it could lead to an increase in late-term abortions.

Internet celebrates Ohio's landmark abortion rights decision

The internet was ablaze with jubilation upon receiving the news of Ohio's landmark decision.

Users from social media voiced their elation and support for the referendum's outcome.

One user on X wrote, "That's awesome. Well done, Ohio."

Another user championed the decision, proclaiming it as "Justice and recognition of woman's humanity."

A user chimed in, echoing the sentiment, "That's awesome."

Someone else cheered, exclaiming, "Hell yeah, Ohio! Another old down."

Yet another user, lost for words, simply wrote, "One-word GLORIOUS."

Ohio now joins a league of states like California, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Montana, and Vermont that have either reaffirmed the right to abortion or rebuffed attempts to curtail it.