Reprotection’s efforts to protect women and their preborn children from seedy abortion businesses didn’t end with Roe v. Wade’s reversal, and Ohio’s proposed measure on abortion is further proof.
The “Right to Reproductive Freedom with Protections for Health and Safety” ballot initiative is likely to be included in this year’s November ballot. However, the initiative contains vague language that could allow the abortion industry to provide substandard and potentially dangerous care to women, while avoiding accountability.
Advocacy groups, Ohioans for Reproductive Freedom and Ohio Physicians for Reproductive Rights, submitted over 700,000 signatures to the Ohio Secretary of State’s office and the state Capitol in Columbus. The Secretary of State has until July 25 to review the validity of the petitions and determine whether the measure will be included on the ballot.
Despite its name, which includes the words “health” and “safety,” the proposed amendment contains broad language that could undermine existing safety regulations. This includes laws requiring parental consent and regulations that ensure abortion facilities meet basic medical standards. It is well-documented that abortion facilities have exposed minors to harm and have circumvented basic health and safety rules. If this amendment is passed, women will face greater risks of unsafe sanitary conditions, inadequate procedure oversight, and complications and physical harm following their abortions.
Furthermore, the ballot measure will limit the state’s ability to hold abortion providers accountable for unethical and dangerous practices.
Our investigative work aims to protect women from further trauma caused by the abortion industry. We strongly oppose any efforts that could make it easier for abortion businesses to avoid facing consequences for their actions. It is crucial to regulate abortion facilities, and Reprotection will continue to ensure that dangerous providers are held accountable.