Ohio passes constitutional right to abortion
Ohio voters voted in large numbers on Tuesday to support abortion rights in the state.
Officials called the turnout “remarkable” — particularly in the state’s urban areas. More than 800,000 ballots had been returned through early voting before Tuesday, with voters in Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland strongly supporting abortion and a measure to legalize marijuana.
The state law, “Right to Reproductive Freedom with Protection of Health and Safety,” will allow “every person to have legal choice regarding abortion, contraception, and fertility treatment.” The measure also prohibits the state from impeding or punishing people seeking abortion or contraception.
With the passage of the measure – which was supported by citizens – Ohio becomes the latest state to make abortion rights a part of the state constitution. Proponents argued that the measure would give individuals the “right to make and carry out their own reproductive decisions.”
Meanwhile, there’s the state’s Marijuana Legalization Initiative, which allows adults 21 and older to purchase cannabis in the state. Previously, the state only allowed the medical use of cannabis. Under the newly passed law, individual Ohioans will also be allowed to grow up to six plants for personal use.
There’s more to come…
