Republican Gov. Mike DeWine of Ohio has stepped into the heated debate surrounding the state’s abortion laws. Speaking exclusively to Fox News Digital, DeWine explained why he felt compelled to run his first-ever ad, addressing the critical issue of a state ballot measure that could drastically alter Ohio’s stance on abortion.
DeWine, joined by Ohio’s First Lady, Fran, expressed his deep concerns about the proposed constitutional amendment, known as Issue 1, which is set for a vote in November. In the interview at the governor’s mansion in Columbus, Ohio, he made it clear that he believes this amendment does not align with the values and wishes of most Ohio voters.
“Fran and I have never done an ad before for a statewide issue or even a local issue, but we both feel very strongly about this and I think whether you’re pro-choice or pro-life, the constitutional amendment that we will be voting on in a couple of weeks just goes way, way too far,” he stated.
Ohio constitutional amendment on abortion goes ‘way, way too far,’ even farther than Roe: Gov. DeWine: FIRST ON FOX: As Ohio voters prepare to decide on sweeping changes to the state’s…
The post Ohio constitutional amendment on… https://t.co/mS3W1oHzGS STORY CONTINUES↓
— America First Newswire™ (@Amfirstnewswire) October 22, 2023
DeWine, known for his opposition to abortion, went on to explain that the proposed amendment would allow abortion at any point in the pregnancy, effectively negating Ohio’s existing laws that have prohibited partial-birth abortion for many years.
One of the contentious points of Issue 1 is its impact on parental rights. DeWine pointed out, “We have a law that says that you have to have parental consent in regard to a minor getting an abortion that would be knocked out by this constitutional amendment as well.”
He further expressed concern that Ohio would become one of the most permissive states in the union when it comes to abortion, which, in his view, doesn’t align with the state’s identity.
DeWine also criticized the groups supporting a “Yes” vote on Issue 1 for running deceptive ads about the amendment’s implications. He mentioned one ad that talked about guaranteeing help for miscarriages, stating that medical assistance for such cases is already readily available through hospitals and doctors.
Going further, the governor highlighted a crucial point: if this constitutional amendment passes, it most likely won’t be on a temporary basis. He explained that even under Roe v. Wade, Ohio had the authority to implement certain restrictions on abortion, which would be invalidated by this amendment.
When it comes to the topic of abortion, DeWine stressed that he has tried to focus on the science of abortion in his communication efforts. “Even if you have people who are pro-choice and think that abortion should be allowed up to a certain point, I don’t know anybody who thinks that abortion should be permitted all the way up until birth. I mean, that just strikes most people as going too far,” he stated.
In closing, DeWine addressed undecided Ohio voters, urging them to examine the language of the constitutional amendment and consider how courts have defined similar issues in the past. His message was clear: Issue 1 is a radical measure that should not be enshrined in Ohio’s state constitution.
