Ohio Republicans Continue Anti-Choice Push Despite Voters’ Rejection of Ballot Initiative

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio Republicans are continuing their efforts to pass anti-choice legislation, even after voters in the state successfully blocked a ballot initiative earlier this month that would have made it harder to pass a pro-choice constitutional amendment this fall.

The five-member Ohio Ballot Board, led by anti-choice advocate and Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, on Thursday approved anti-choice language to be used in the initiative, which may confuse voters. LaRose had previously championed the unsuccessful 60 percent threshold initiative, which was defeated in decisive fashion in the August election.

The approved summary of the amendment text, which will appear on the ballots, bears little resemblance to the full amendment. In November, voters will consider a ballot initiative that seeks to enshrine abortion rights and other reproductive freedoms into Ohio’s Constitution.

The amendment is backed by a coalition of pro-choice groups, including Planned Parenthood and NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio. Supporters of the amendment are concerned that the language approved by the Ohio Ballot Board could mislead voters and lead to the amendment’s defeat.

The amendment is expected to be a major issue in the upcoming November election. Supporters of the amendment are hopeful that voters will be able to make an informed decision on the issue, despite the anti-choice language approved by the Ohio Ballot Board.