Buckeye Reporter

Alex McKenna, a resident of Steubenville, Ohio, is concerned about the language in the proposed constitutional amendment Issue 1. McKenna expressed worry about parental rights being restricted if the amendment is passed. She said, "I want no part in having my kids given life-altering medical procedures without my knowledge."

Issue 1, also known as the Right to Make Reproductive Decisions Including Abortion Initiative, is currently on the ballot in Ohio. If passed, it would establish the right to abortion in the state's constitution instead of leaving it up to the courts and legislative process. The initiative is supported by Ohioans United for Reproductive Rights, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio, the ACLU of Ohio, the Abortion Fund of Ohio, and Pro-Choice Ohio.

However, Protect Women Ohio is against Issue 1, citing the "dangerously vague" language of the amendment. They argue that if passed, it will compromise parental rights and endanger minors and crime victims.

Alex McKenna is not the only Ohioan who is concerned about the language of Issue 1. Laura Doroski, another resident of Steubenville, has also raised concerns, according to the Buckeye Reporter. Doroski believes that the broad language of the amendment could have negative consequences. She said, "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."

According to a legal analysis by the Alliance Defending Freedom, Issue 1 would establish a "fundamental right" to "reproductive freedom" for every "individual," including minors, Ohio residents, and non-residents. This would grant them rights related to contraception, fertility treatment, pregnancy care, miscarriage, abortion, and procedures like reproductive organ removal. These procedures could potentially occur without parental knowledge or consent, raising concerns about parental involvement and the potential for minors at risk of sex trafficking to receive "no-questions-asked" abortions in the state.

Ohioans will have the opportunity to vote on Issue 1 and decide the fate of the proposed constitutional amendment in the upcoming election.