Decisions about whether to continue a pregnancy or have an abortion are difficult ones. Most Ohioans agree that every woman, no matter her race or circumstances, should have the freedom and right to make these medical decisions involving her bodily autonomy. The government should not be telling women what to do about a pregnancy. There are many reasons why a woman would choose an abortion, such as rape or incest, or inability to afford another child.
With the Dobbs decision in June, an existing law previously passed by Republican lawmakers in Ohio went into effect. No abortions are allowed past detection of fetal cardiac activity, or about six weeks. We have already seen damaging effects of this heartless ruling. A ten-year old rape victim was forced to go to Indiana to receive an abortion.
It is difficult for physicians to know what the law prohibits or allows in terms of exceptions for medical emergencies. To protect themselves from legal jeopardy, doctors may be delaying and denying care to women who have high risk conditions, putting the women at risk.
We can protect our freedom and privacy rights by voting for Nan Whaley for governor, and the Democratic slate of judges, and work on amending the Ohio constitution to protect the freedom, privacy, and health of women who might seek abortions. Imagine a future Ohio where all babies are born to healthy mothers and to families that can afford to raise children with love.
Patricia Keane
Mount Vernon, Ohio
