OAN’s Abril Elfi
11:26 AM – Wednesday, November 8, 2023
Ohio has voted and approved the right to abortion access, as well as the legalization of marijuana use.
On Tuesday, the majority of Ohioans voted “yes” on Issues 1 and 2. Issue 1 revolved around access to abortion and other forms of sexual reproductive care, while the second issue related to the legalization of marijuana.
In all, Issue 1 will guarantee access to reproductive health care, which includes access to contraceptives, miscarriage care, fertility services, and abortion.
As for Issue 2, it will “legalize and regulate the cultivation, processing, sale, purchase, possession, home grow, and use of cannabis” for those over 21-years-old.
Lauren Blauvelt, co-chair of Ohioans United for Reproductive Rights, which led support for the amendment, spoke to the crowd after the vote, stating: “the future is bright, and tonight we can celebrate this win for bodily autonomy and reproductive rights.”
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris made statements congratulating the amendment’s passage and noting that “proposals to ban or severely restrict abortion are held by a minority of Americans.”
According to Harris, “extremists are pushing for a national abortion ban that would criminalize reproductive health care in every single state in our nation.”
However, Republicans have stated that this will not be the end of the conversation. House Speaker Jason Stephens (R-Ohio.) spoke to the press about Issue 1’s approval.
“As a 100% pro-life conservative, I remain steadfastly committed to protecting life, and that commitment is unwavering,” Stephens said. “The Legislature has multiple paths that we will explore to continue to protect innocent life.”
Previously, Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Ohio.) stated that lawmakers may return next year with another proposed amendment that would repeal Issue 1, although they would only have a six-week window after Election Day to get it on the 2024 primary ballot.
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