Buckeye Reporter

Laura Doroski, a resident of Steubenville, Ohio, has raised concerns about a proposed constitutional amendment in the state. The amendment, known as Issue 1, aims to protect the right to make reproductive decisions, including abortion. However, Doroski believes that the broad language of the amendment could have negative consequences.

"My friends and fellow parishioners are appalled at the broad language of this amendment that gives minors the right to make undefined 'reproductive decisions,' protects abusers, eviscerates parental rights, eliminates laws that protect women from predatory abortion businesses and allows for barbaric dismemberment and partial-birth abortions," Doroski said.

Doroski's concerns align with those of Protect Women Ohio, an organization opposed to Issue 1. They argue that the language of the amendment is "dangerously vague" and could compromise parental rights and endanger minors and crime victims if passed.

The proposed amendment has sparked a heated debate in Ohio. Supporters of Issue 1, such as Ohioans United for Reproductive Rights and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio, argue that it is necessary to protect the right to make reproductive decisions and ensure access to contraception and abortion. They believe that passing Issue 1 will protect people from extreme abortion bans.

On the other side, opponents of Issue 1, including Protect Women Ohio and lawmakers like Senator Kristina Roegner, Senator Michele Reynolds, and Representative Melanie Miller, have expressed concerns about the potential consequences of the amendment. They argue that it could allow for-profit abortion providers to self-regulate and perform abortions up to viability and beyond, including dismemberment abortions and late-term abortions. They also claim that the amendment could allow abortions based on the child's sex, race, or disability.

The debate over Issue 1 centers around the balance between protecting the right to make reproductive decisions and ensuring the safety and well-being of women and minors.