The use of vague but seemingly innocuous language has become a primary strategy of the post-Roe v. Wade abortion advocacy movement.
Most of the current pro-abortion campaign in support of proposed Issue 1 in Ohio appears focused on a scheme to lower information for voters and heighten emotions to add to the confusion.
This was seen on full display in California as voters approved Proposition 1 in November 2022. The measure codified abortion in the state and as legal experts have attested, it is “unconstitutionally vague and overbroad.”
Now abortion advocates are opposing Ohio’s Secretary of State’s wording of the Issue 1 ballot. Board members of Ohioans United for Reproductive Rights have called it “propaganda” and “rife with misleading and defective language.”
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Take into consideration the original, versus Ohio AG Frank LaRose’s version of the proposal. The Secretary’s summary largely highlights what portions of the measure would be an actual change in law from current law should Issue 1 pass.
The original version abortion supporters advocate for is indeed misleading, bringing in “contraception, fertility treatment, continuing one’s own pregnancy, miscarriage care” as four of the five “rights” which could lead the voter to believe that without this new law, those services are and will continue to be limited.
The truth is that abortion, the fifth item mentioned, is what would be treated differently, opening up abortion without limits until viability and even until the moment of birth on a “case-by-case” basis.
In May, the American Association of Pro-Life OB-GYNs (AAPLOG) weighed in with their concerns over “The Right to Reproductive Freedom with Protections for Health and Safety” proposal. AAPLOG's statement on Ohio's proposed constitutional amendment on abortion, which is Issue 1 on the November ballot, clarifies the reality of this issue.
“Patients in Ohio can already receive the excellent care they need under current state laws,” the official statement noted. “Under current state law, physicians can provide care for women with life-threatening pregnancy complications, including miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy.”
The AAPLOG statement also expressed concern over the vague language of the proposal which appears benign however it, “would make Ohio one of the most extreme pro-abortion states in the country.”
AAPLOG warned voters the broadly defined terminology used will legalize abortion through all nine months. The additional danger is in forbidding any restrictions on abortion clinics which puts vulnerable women at risk.
With basic safeguards impeded by the abortion law, AAPLOG alerted Ohio voters it would lead to coerced abortions, removal of parental consent, disregard for the conscience rights of pro-life clinicians, lower health and safety regulations for abortion clinics and impede pregnancy help which is a vital support for women facing difficult circumstances.
“This proposed amendment also opens the door for the legal targeting of pregnancy resource centers, which serve thousands of Ohio women with material, medical, and emotional support every year,” the release added.
AAPLOG noted, “Laws such as this jeopardize the health and well-being of women and preborn children in favor of a radical political agenda.”
Ohio Right to Life has summarized the initiative in, “The Truth about the Abortion Ballot Initiative,” noting from the original proposal text how it removes parents’ rights. Again because of the vague language, utilizing “individual” the abortion law if enacted would not differentiate between adults and minors.
The broad term, individual, means a parent’s right to stop their minor child from receiving an abortion would be nullified.
Another phrase in the proposed amendment that can be utilized to legalize sex-change surgery and hormone therapy for minors without parental consent is, “reproductive decisions.” Any medical services involving the reproductive system would be legalized.
Your minor child cannot get a tattoo without your consent in Ohio, but so-called gender transition could be permitted without your approval.
Additionally, the voters of Ohio need to see how the use of vague language puts children at risk when abusers can find protection under this proposed amendment hiding behind the phrase, “a person or entity that assists an individual,” which means the abuser can coerce a minor to get an abortion.
Ohioans need to read for themselves what is in this proposed amendment, understand the implications of legalizing abortion and other medical procedures in such a broad manner.
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It is crucial for Ohio voters to stand up for women and children, who will not be protected from those who stand to gain financially from their vulnerability if Issue 1 is approved and becomes law in Ohio.
