November 2023 Ohio Issue 1

Be it Resolved by the People of the State of Ohio that Article I of the Ohio Constitution is amended to add the following Section:

Article I, Section 22. The Right to Reproductive Freedom with Protections for Health and Safety

A. Every individual has a right to make and carry out one's own reproductive decisions, including, but not limited to, decisions on:

1. contraception;
2. fertility treatment;
3. continuing one's own pregnancy;
4. miscarriage care; and
5. abortion

B. The State shall not, directly or indirectly, burden, penalize, prohibit, interfere with, or discriminate against either:

1. An individual's voluntary exercise of this right or
2. A person or entity that assists an individual exercising this right,

unless the State demonstrates that it is using the least restrictive means to advance the individual's health in accordance with widely accepted and evidence-based standards of care.

However, abortion may be prohibited after fetal viability. But in no case may such an abortion be prohibited if, in the professional judgement of the pregnant patient's treating physician, it is necessary to protect the pregnant patient's life or health.

C. As used in this Section:

1. "Fetal viability" means "the point in a pregnancy when, in the professional judgement of the pregnant patient's treating physician, the fetus has a significant likelihood of survival outside the uterus with reasonable measures. This is determined on a case-by-case basis."
2. "State" includes any governmental entity and any political subdivision.

D. This Section is self-executing.

File:Number_of_abortion_clinics_in_Ohio_by_year.png

In April 2019, the Ohio legislature passed and Governor Mike DeWine signed a "heartbeat bill" that banned abortion after a fetal heartbeat can be detected, which usually occurs about six weeks after conception, before many know they are pregnant. The bill allowed exceptions for threats to the mother's life, but not for rape or incest. The statute was blocked by a federal judge in July 2019, a week before going into effect.{{Cite web |last=Heisig |first=Eric |date=2019-07-03 |title=Federal judge blocks Ohio's 'heartbeat' law limiting abortion access from going into effect |url=https://www.cleveland.com/court-justice/2019/07/federal-judge-blocks-ohios-heartbeat-bill-limiting-abortion-access-from-going-into-effect.html |access-date=2024-06-07 |website=Cleveland.com |language=en}} It first became active three years later in July 2022, hours after the Supreme Court of the United States issued its decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization.{{Cite web |last=Hancock |first=Laura |date=2022-06-24 |title=Federal judge allows blocked 'heartbeat bill' to take effect, banning abortion around six weeks in Ohio |url=https://www.cleveland.com/news/2022/06/federal-judge-allows-blocked-heartbeat-bill-to-take-effect-banning-abortion-around-six-weeks-in-ohio.html |access-date=2024-06-07 |website=Cleveland.com |language=en}} The Supreme Court ruled that the U.S. Constitution does not confer a right to abortion, overturning Roe v. Wade and allowing states to impose unlimited restrictions on abortion access.{{Cite web |last1=de Vogue |first1=Ariane |last2=Sneed |first2=Tierney |last3=Duster |first3=Chandelis |last4=Cole |first4=Devan |date=2022-06-24 |title=Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/24/politics/dobbs-mississippi-supreme-court-abortion-roe-wade/index.html |access-date=2024-06-07 |website=CNN |language=en}} The statute was in effect for 82 days before a state court blocked it temporarily in September 2022, and ultimately blocked it indefinitely.{{Cite web |last=Tebben |first=Susan |date=September 27, 2022 |title=Ohio abortion ban on two-week hold once again |url=https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/briefs/abortion-law-on-hold-once-again/ |access-date=2024-06-07 |website=Ohio Capital Journal |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Tebben |first=Susan |date=2023-10-18 |title=Long-fought abortion battle in Ohio could end with Issue 1 amendment or with six-week ban |url=https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2023/10/18/long-fought-abortion-battle-in-ohio-could-end-with-issue-1-amendment-or-with-six-week-ban/ |access-date=2024-06-07 |website=Ohio Capital Journal |language=en-US}}

{{Main|2022 Ohio child-rape and Indiana abortion case}}

While the six-week abortion ban was in place, multiple children fled the state for abortions after being raped. The most notable case involved a ten-year-old girl from Columbus, Ohio, who traveled to Indiana on June 30, 2022, to get an abortion. Her case drew national attention and commentary from public figures, due in part to its proximity to the June 24, 2022, decision of the Supreme Court of the United States in Dobbs.{{Cite news |last=Hauser |first=Christine |date=2023-07-05 |title=Man Gets Life Sentence in Rape of Child Who Traveled for Abortion |language=en |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/05/us/ohio-abortion-rape-trial.html |access-date=2023-08-09}}{{cite news |last1=Bruner |first1=Bethany |last2=Trombly |first2=Monroe |last3=Cook |first3=Tony |date=July 13, 2022 |title=Arrest made in rape of Ohio girl that led to Indiana abortion drawing international attention |work=The Columbus Dispatch |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2022/07/13/columbus-man-charged-rape-10-year-old-led-abortion-in-indiana/10046625002/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=August 5, 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Bushard |first1=Brian |date=July 22, 2022 |title=Ohio Man Indicted For Raping 9-Year-Old Who Was Forced To Travel To Indiana For Abortion |language=en |work=Forbes |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2022/07/22/ohio-man-indicted-for-raping-9-year-old-who-was-forced-to-travel-to-indiana-for-abortion/?sh=ec62fce55f6e |access-date=January 2, 2023}}

Her rapist was arrested by July 13. Before this arrest was made public, Ohio politicians who oppose legal abortion access called the story a hoax; Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said, "Every day that goes by, the more likely that this is a fabrication."{{cite web |last=Bischoff |first=Laura |date=July 14, 2022 |title=Ohio AG Dave Yost cast doubt on 10-year-old rape victim case, now 'rejoices' at arrest |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2022/07/13/ohio-attorney-general-rejoices-arrest-child-rape-suspect/10048250002/ |access-date=July 16, 2022 |work=USA Today}} After news of the arrest validated the Star{{'s}} story, these sources did not apologize for claiming the story was a hoax.{{cite news |last=Robertson |first=Katie |date=July 14, 2022 |title=Facts Were Sparse on an Abortion Case. But That Didn't Stop the Attacks. |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/14/business/media/10-year-old-girl-ohio-rape.html |access-date=July 16, 2022}} Jim Bopp, the general counsel for the National Right to Life Committee, said in an interview that the child should have been legally forced to carry the pregnancy to full term and give birth, and that "She would have had the baby, and as many women who have had babies as a result of rape, we would hope that she would understand the reason and ultimately the benefit of having the child."{{cite web |last1=Messerly |first1=Megan |last2=Wren |first2=Adam |date=July 14, 2022 |title=National Right to Life official: 10-year-old should have had baby |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2022/07/14/anti-abotion-10-year-old-ohio-00045843 |access-date=July 16, 2022 |work=Politico}} In September 2022, shortly after Ohio's six-week abortion ban went into effect, a woman made national news when she almost bled to death after an Ohio hospital refused to treat her miscarriage.{{cite news |last1=Simmons-Duffin |first1=Selena |date=November 15, 2022 |title=Her miscarriage left her bleeding profusely. An Ohio ER sent her home to wait|language=en |work=NPR |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/11/15/1135882310/miscarriage-hemorrhage-abortion-law-ohio |access-date=September 10, 2023}}

Since Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, voters supported the "pro-choice" side in state referendums along overwhelming and bipartisan margins.{{Cite web |last=Smyth |first=Julie Carr |date=2023-11-07 |title=Ohio's abortion rights ballot measure could provide insights into 2024 elections |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/ohios-abortion-rights-ballot-measure-could-provide-insights-into-2024-elections |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=PBS NewsHour |language=en-us}} In November 2022, Ohio's neighbor Michigan held a similar referendum, called Proposal 3, which passed 57%–43%. While Michigan is considered a swing state, Ohio is socially conservative:{{Cite news |last1=Lerer |first1=Lisa |last2=Goldmacher |first2=Shane |date=2023-11-04 |title=Will Abortion Dominate the 2024 Elections? Tuesday Will Offer Clues. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/04/us/politics/abortion-ohio-kentucky-virginia-election.html |access-date=2023-11-07 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Donald Trump won the state by 8% over Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election.{{Cite news |last=Elving |first=Ron |date=March 23, 2024 |title=Ohio has been a bellwether and a battleground: What is it telling us now? |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/03/23/1240249291/ohio-bellwether-battleground-election |access-date=July 23, 2024 |work=NPR}} In other red states, voters rejected measures intending to restrict abortion, such as in the 2022 Kansas abortion referendum and 2022 Kentucky Amendment 2. Because Ohio's Issue 1 asked voters whether to explicitly protect abortion, it was widely expected to be a bellwether for the national opinion on abortion rights.

On February 21, 2023, Ohioans for Reproductive Freedom, the group leading support for the initiative, filed the amendment's language with the office of Ohio Attorney General, Dave Yost,{{cite web|last1=Staver|first1=Anna|last2=Balmert|first2=Jessie|url=https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/politics/2023/02/21/abortion-access-advocates-to-unveil-language-for-possible-november-vote/69889722007/|title=Abortion in Ohio: What does proposed constitutional amendment say?|work=The Cincinnati Enquirer|date=February 21, 2023|accessdate=July 23, 2023}} who certified it on March 2. The proposed amendment was then sent to the Ohio Ballot Board,{{cite web|last=Donaldson|first=Sarah|url=https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/petition-for-proposed-abortion-rights-amendment-gets-certified-by-ohio-attorney-general/|title=Petition for proposed abortion rights amendment gets certified by Ohio attorney general|work=WCMH-TV|date=March 2, 2023|accessdate=July 23, 2023}} which further certified it on March 13, permitting supporters to begin collecting signatures. On July 5, supporters filed 709,786 signatures, nearly 300,000 more than the minimum number required. The Ohio Secretary of State, Frank LaRose, certified the petition on July 25, 2023, after certifying 495,938 valid signatures, more than the approximately 410,000 required.{{Cite web |first1=Terence |last1=Burlij |first2=Jack |last2=Forrest |date=2023-07-25 |title=Abortion rights amendment qualifies for November ballot in Ohio {{!}} CNN Politics |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/25/politics/ohio-abortion-rights-amendment/index.html |access-date=2023-07-27 |website=CNN |language=en}}

The Ohio Republican Party tried to increase the threshold required for referendum passage to 60%, in an attempt to thwart the proposed constitutional amendment. The threshold change was put to public vote in an August 8 special election, known as August 2023 Ohio Issue 1. Voters rejected the change 57%–43%, keeping the threshold for passage at a simple majority.{{Cite web |last=Raman |first=Sandhya |date=9 August 2023 |title=Ohio voters reject push to hinder abortion rights amendment |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/ohio-voters-reject-push-to-hinder-abortion-rights-amendment/ar-AA1f1wx8? |access-date=2023-08-09 |website=Roll Call}} It was defeated by a nearly identical margin to November 2023 Ohio Issue 1 passing three months later.{{Cite web |date=2023-11-08 |title=Voters in Ohio backed a measure protecting abortion rights. Here's how Republicans helped |url=https://apnews.com/article/election-ohio-ballot-abortion-issue-one-amendment-9ab6fb181f2440dad90a616b278403ce |access-date=2024-07-20 |website=AP News |language=en}}

On August 11, 2023, the Ohio Supreme Court unanimously rejected a lawsuit{{Snd}}filed by Republican former state Representative Tom Brinkman and 2022 Republican state representative candidate Jenn Giroux{{Snd}}that would keep the initiative off the ballot.{{cite news |last1=Pelzer |first1=Jeremy |title=Ohio's GOP-controlled Supreme Court rejects legal challenge to proposed abortion-rights amendment |url=https://www.cleveland.com/open/2023/08/ohios-gop-controlled-supreme-court-rejects-legal-challenge-to-proposed-abortion-rights-amendment.html |access-date=12 August 2023 |publisher=cleveland.com |date=11 August 2023}}{{cite news |last1=Wildow |first1=Samantha |date=11 August 2023 |title=Ohio Supreme Court denies challenge to abortion amendment, clearing way for November vote |url=https://www.daytondailynews.com/ohio/ohio-supreme-court-denies-challenge-to-abortion-amendment-clearing-way-for-november-vote/BLASK7EDVJAG5BTEFIBKAW3Z3E/ |access-date=12 August 2023 |work=Dayton Daily News |publisher=}}

The campaign for the initiative drew support from Ohio scientific and medical communities,{{Cite journal |last1=Miller |first1=Hayley E. |last2=Fraz |first2=Farsam |last3=Zhang |first3=Jiaqi |last4=Henkel |first4=Andrea |last5=Leonard |first5=Stephanie A. |last6=Maskatia |first6=Shiraz A. |last7=El-Sayed |first7=Yasser Y. |last8=Blumenfeld |first8=Yair J. |date=2023-09-01 |title=Abortion Bans and Resource Utilization for Congenital Heart Disease: A Decision Analysis |url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37535962/ |journal=Obstetrics and Gynecology |volume=142 |issue=3 |pages=652–659 |doi=10.1097/AOG.0000000000005291 |issn=1873-233X |pmid=37535962}}{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Wesley J. |author-link=Wesley J. Smith |date=2023-08-21 |title=Medical Journal Opposes Abortion Restrictions in the Name of Containing Health-Care Costs |url=https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/medical-journal-opposes-abortion-restrictions-in-the-name-of-containing-health-care-costs/ |access-date=2023-08-23 |website=National Review |language=en-US}} economists, trade unions, editorial boards, human rights, and many religious organizations. They argued that the initiative would limit government, protect bodily autonomy and religious liberty, and prevent interference with personal medical decisions, including another situation similar to the aforementioned abortion case. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, alongside other professional associations of physicians, campaigned for the citizen-initiated constitutional amendment. According to legal historian Mary Ziegler, "The main force behind the ballot initiative was physicians who said, 'We are not willing to practice medicine under this regime, and we think voters support us.{{'"}}

While several Ohio's Catholic dioceses condemned the measure, many Catholic voters were expected to vote for "yes", along with several dissenting groups, including Catholics for Choice.{{Cite web |last=Wonnell |first=Gabrielle |title=Catholic: 'Abortion stigma' is real in the church. Forced pregnancy is worse. |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/opinion/columns/guest/2023/08/29/will-columbus-catholics-support-ohio-abortion-amendments-ohio-issue-1-november-7-election/70670668007/ |access-date=2023-09-23 |website=The Columbus Dispatch |language=en-US}}

{{Tweet

| name = Lizzie Marbach

| username = LizzieMarbach

| date = September 11, 2023

| text = The use of birth control, IVF, & other unnatural means of "family planning" has brainwashed us into believing that WE are the authors of when life begins.

This belief has caused so much evil and ultimately led to the death of over 60 million babies due to abortion.

| ID = 1701403886592885199

| url-status =

| archive-url =

| archive-date =

}}

Shortly before the election, there was a major rift within the Ohio Right to Life (ORTL) organization. The campaign suffered from intense infighting after comments made by Lizzie Marbach, the organization's communications director.{{Cite web |last=Tobias |first=Andrew |date=2023-08-22 |title=What Ohio Right to Life's firing of a top staffer shows about the challenges facing the anti-abortion movement: Analysis |url=https://www.cleveland.com/news/2023/08/what-ohio-right-to-lifes-firing-of-a-top-staffer-shows-about-the-challenges-facing-the-anti-abortion-movement-analysis.html |access-date=2023-08-23 |website=The Plain Dealer |language=en}} Marbach called for restrictions or bans on birth control and in vitro fertilization (see tweet), after which she was fired in mid-August 2023. Over 60 million abortions had occurred since Roe v. Wade in 1973.

Marbach also described an image of the Virgin Mary in a Mexican Catholic church as "idolatry". Several Catholic anti-abortion activists urged opponents of the measure to not cast a ballot, or, cast one intentionally spoiled as a protest vote in the wake of the controversy, stating that the "against" campaign was furthering anti-Catholicism.

Proponents of the amendment initially suggested that the amendment appear in full on voters' ballots in November. However, the Ohio Ballot Board substituted its own summary wording to appear before voters. The summary, written by Ohio Secretary of State and Republican Senate candidate Frank LaRose and approved by the Ballot Board's Republican majority, received criticism for its allegedly biased language, including opting for the phrase "unborn child" over the medically accurate term "fetus" and omitting reference to other rights the proposed amendment would protect, including contraception, miscarriage care, and fertility treatment. Abortion rights groups sued to have the full text of the amendment presented on the ballot, but the conservative majority on the Ohio Supreme Court sided with the Ballot Board, allowing the language to appear in the ballot summary.{{cite web|title=Ohio Supreme Court approves abortion rights amendment Ballot Board summary for voters with one tweak|website=Ohio Capitol Journal|date=Sep 20, 2023|url=https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/briefs/ohio-supreme-court-approves-abortion-rights-amendment-ballot-board-summary-for-voters-with-one-tweak/}}

The Ballot Board's summary received criticism from medical groups as well as some voices opposed to legal abortion access, who have described it as deliberately deceiving voters to vote "no" under false pretexts.{{Cite web |last=Meegan |first=Molly |date=August 29, 2023 |title=ACOG Condemns the Politically Charged Language in the Ohio Ballot Initiative Summary |url=https://www.acog.org/news/news-releases/2023/08/acog-condemns-politically-charged-language-in-ohio-ballot-initiative-summary |access-date=September 14, 2023 |website= |publisher=The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists |language=en}} Conservative columnist Jude Russo wrote, "We have failed to persuade the American people. Simply put: Lawyerly tricks (and tricky lawyers) are losers. Asking the commons to cede power voluntarily is a loser."{{Cite web |last=Russo |first=Jude |date=2023-08-11 |title=Why the Pro-Life Movement Is Losing |url=https://www.theamericanconservative.com/bring-out-your-dead/ |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=The American Conservative |language=en-US}} The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists stated, "The language used to discuss abortion has a profound impact on how people form their opinions about reproductive health care, and the emotionally charged language that will now be presented to voters is neither clinically nor legally sound."

The Issue 1 election generated widespread misinformation. Several factors contributed to voter confusion, including back-to-back ballot questions, duplicate naming of ballot measures, reversed position of the ballot measures, controversy over ballot language, misleading terminology, and misinformation campaigns.{{Cite web |date=2023-10-07 |title=Ohio abortion-rights supporters worry about ballot confusion in November |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/ohio-abortion-rights-supporters-ballot-confusion-november-issue-1-rcna118397 |access-date=2024-07-18 |website=NBC News |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2023-09-01 |title=There's already confusion over the abortion ballot language in Ohio. It's going to get worse |url=https://www.statenews.org/government-politics/2023-09-01/confusion-abortion-ballot-language-ohio |access-date=2024-07-18 |website=The Statehouse News Bureau |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=October 31, 2023 |title=Abortion is on the ballot in Ohio. The results could signal what's ahead for 2024 |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/10/31/1209593353/abortion-ohio-issue-1-vote-election-roe-dobbs |website=npr.org}}

Republican lawmakers and anti-abortion groups{{Snd}}particularly American Policy Roundtable, Ohio Right to Life, and the Center for Christian Virtue{{Snd}}disseminated false claims that the amendment would allow unrestricted abortions up to birth and for minors to obtain abortions without parental consent, among other abortion misinformation.{{Cite web |date=2023-09-02 |title=Ohio is about to vote on abortion rights. Misinformation about the proposal is rampant |url=https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ohio-constitutional-amendment-election-misinformation-d7b3d8273389a432b011964c14959789 |access-date=2024-07-18 |website=AP News |language=en}} These misleading assertions were strategically spread through digital advertisements and offline events,{{Cite web |last=Panetta |first=Grace |date=2023-10-10 |title=Abortion rights are on a winning streak at the ballot box. Ohio could test that. |url=https://19thnews.org/2023/10/ohio-issue-1-abortion-ballot-measure-november/ |access-date=2024-07-18 |website=The 19th |language=en-us}} as well as on a blog on the official Ohio Senate website, gaining prominence in search engine results for coming from a government source.{{Cite web |date=2023-10-27 |title=Misinformation is flowing ahead of Ohio abortion vote. Some is coming from a legislative website |url=https://apnews.com/article/election-2023-ohio-abortion-amendment-misinformation-6b870f06abe5d70e8aa0a535b2e9dd1a |access-date=2024-07-18 |website=AP News |language=en}}

Advertisements from the "no" campaign claimed that the referendum would take away parental rights and force sex reassignment surgery on children. The claims received widespread criticism from legal experts, who described them as baseless and misleading.{{Cite web |last=Trau |first=Morgan |date=2023-04-10 |title=Fact Check: Ohio abortion amendment says nothing about transgender or parental rights, contrary to ad's claims |url=https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/politics/ohio-politics/fact-check-ohio-abortion-amendment-says-nothing-about-transgender-or-parental-rights-contrary-to-ads-claims |access-date=2023-09-16 |website=News 5 Cleveland WEWS |language=en}} Constitutional law expert Jonathan Entin wrote:

If you drink too much alcohol, if you ingest certain drugs, if you drive too fast{{Snd}}all of those things could have shorter or longer term implications for your ability to reproduce... That doesn't mean that speed limits and drug laws and alcohol regulations are somehow going to be affected by this amendment if it's adopted.

Catholic anti-abortion columnist Mary Pezzulo criticized the advertisements for discussing parental rights while ignoring the anti-abortion movement's mission to "protect the lives of unborn babies". She wrote, "They're lying to get people to vote against Issue 1."{{Cite web |last=Pezzulo |first=Mary |date=2023-09-13 |title=Ohio's Abortion Amendment: Why is the Pro-life Movement Lying? |url=https://www.patheos.com/blogs/steelmagnificat/2023/09/ohios-abortion-amendment-why-is-the-pro-life-movement-lying/ |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=Steel Magnificat |language=en}}

{{Endorsements box|title=Yes|list=

U.S. Executive Branch officials

• Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States (2009–2017) ({{font color||#CEE0F2|Democrat}}){{cite web|last=Hancock|first=Laura|title=Barack Obama tells Ohioans to vote 'yes' on Issue 1, the abortion amendment|url=https://www.cleveland.com/news/2023/10/barack-obama-tells-ohioans-to-vote-yes-on-issue-1-the-abortion-amendment.html|website=The Plain Dealer|date=October 19, 2023|access-date=October 25, 2023}}

U.S. Senators

• Sherrod Brown, U.S. Senator from Ohio (2007–2025) ({{font color||#CEE0F2|Democrat}}){{Cite web|last=Tebben|first=Susan|title=Local, national groups praise Issue 1 defeat, buckle up for November fight|url=https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2023/08/10/local-national-groups-praise-issue-1-defeat-buckle-up-for-november-fight/|website=Ohio Capital Journal|date=August 10, 2023|access-date=September 7, 2023}}

U.S. Representatives

• Joyce Beatty, U.S. Representative from OH-3 (2013–present) ({{font color||#CEE0F2|Democrat}}){{Cite web|title=Both sides weigh in on Ohio Issue 1|url=https://www.10tv.com/video/news/politics/both-sides-weigh-in-on-ohio-issue-1/530-45e87909-dbec-4020-9fe3-3753ee87a4e7|website=WBNS-TV|date=October 23, 2023|access-date=October 28, 2023}}
• Shontel Brown, U.S. Representative from OH-11 (2021–present) ({{font color||#CEE0F2|Democrat}}){{Cite web|last=Gaynor|first=Gerren Keith|title=Ohio vote on Issue 1 continues to signal abortion as winning issue for Democrats|url=https://thegrio.com/2023/08/09/ohio-vote-on-issue-1-continues-to-signal-abortion-as-winning-issue-for-democrats/|website=TheGrio|date=August 9, 2023|access-date=September 7, 2023}}
• Marcy Kaptur, U.S. Representative from OH-9 (1983–present) ({{font color||#CEE0F2|Democrat}}){{Cite web|last1=Ollstein|first1=Alice Miranda|last2=Fernandez|first2=Madison|title=Abortion referendum offers Ohio Democrats a playbook for '24|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10/29/ohio-abortion-referendum-democrats-2024-00124060|website=Politico|date=October 29, 2023|access-date=November 2, 2023}}
• Greg Landsman, U.S. Representative from OH-1 (2023–present) ({{font color||#CEE0F2|Democrat}})
• Emilia Sykes, U.S. Representative from OH-13 (2023–present) ({{font color||#CEE0F2|Democrat}})

Statewide officials

• Marc Dann, 47th Attorney General of Ohio (2007–2008) ({{font color||#CEE0F2|Democrat}}){{cite web|last1=Dann|first1=Marc|last2=Crossman|first2=Jeffrey A.|title=Former Ohio AG and AG candidate issue rebuttal to Issue 1 legal analysis put out by current AG|url=https://www.athensmessenger.com/comment/former-ohio-ag-and-ag-candidate-issue-rebuttal-to-issue-1-legal-analysis-put-out/article_49b8f0d4-7334-11ee-b1bc-c7722c44e9f2.html|website=The Athans Messenger|date=October 25, 2023|access-date=October 25, 2023}}

State Senators

• Paula Hicks-Hudson, state senator from the 11th district (2023–present), former state representative from the 44th district (2019–2022), and 63rd Mayor of Toledo (2015–2018) ({{font color||#CEE0F2|Democrat}}){{cite web|last=Hicks-Hudson|first=Paula|title=VOTE YES ON ISSUE 1|url=https://ohiosenate.gov/members/andrew-o-brenner/video/senator-hicks-hudson-vote-yes-on-issue-1|website=The Ohio Senate|access-date=November 7, 2023}}
• Nina Turner, President of Our Revolution and former state senator from the 25th district (2008–2014) ({{font color||#CEE0F2|Democrat}})

State House members

• Willis Blackshear, Jr., state representative from the 38th district (2021–present) ({{font color||#CEE0F2|Democrat}}){{cite web|last=Blackshear Jr.|first=Willis|title=VOICES: We can vote to restore our freedoms by voting Yes on Issue 1|url=https://www.daytondailynews.com/ideas-voices/voices-we-can-vote-to-restore-our-freedoms-by-voting-yes-on-issue-1/XHADLZHDKFBNBLS7JLHY3AHJYM/|website=Dayton Daily News|date=November 3, 2023|access-date=November 7, 2023}}
• Jeffrey Crossman, former state representative from the 15th district (2019–2022) and Democratic nominee in the 2022 Ohio Attorney General election ({{font color||#CEE0F2|Democrat}})
• Michele Grim, state representative from the 43rd district (2023–present) ({{font color||#CEE0F2|Democrat}}){{cite web|last=Grim|first=Michele|title=To the editor: State Rep. Grim backs Issues 1 & 2|url=https://www.toledoblade.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/2023/10/24/div-class-libPageBodyLinebreak-State-Rep-Grim-backs-Issues-1-amp-2-div/stories/20231024014|website=The Blade|date=October 24, 2023|access-date=October 25, 2023}}
• Darrell Opfer, former state representative from the 53rd district (1993–1999) ({{font color||#CEE0F2|Democrat}}){{cite web|last=Opfer|first=Darrell|title=To the editor: Confused about Ohio state Issue 1?|url=https://www.toledoblade.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/2023/11/02/to-the-editor-confused-about-ohio-state-issue-1/stories/20231102010|website=The Blade|date=November 2, 2023|access-date=November 2, 2023}}
• Allison Russo, Minority Leader of the Ohio House of Representatives (2022–present) and state representative from the 7th district (2023–present) and the 24th district (2019–2022) ({{font color||#CEE0F2|Democrat}}){{Cite web|last=Hainkel|first=Kristen|title=Ohio House Minority Leader Russo visits Marietta|url=https://www.mariettatimes.com/news/local-news/2023/10/ohio-house-minority-leader-russo-visits-marietta/|website=The Marietta Times|date=October 3, 2023|access-date=October 28, 2023}}
• Anita Somani, state representative from the 11th district (2023–present) ({{font color||#CEE0F2|Democrat}}){{cite web|last=Somani|first=Anita|title=VOICES: Ohio voters deserve facts on Issue 1|url=https://www.daytondailynews.com/ideas-voices/voices-ohio-voters-deserve-facts-on-issue-1/WVJJ4CZCJZH7TIMXSM77SN65KY/|website=Dayton Daily News|date=November 5, 2023|access-date=November 7, 2023}}
• Casey Weinstein, state representative from the 34th district (2019–present) ({{font color||#CEE0F2|Democrat}}){{cite web|last=Fahmy|first=Natalie|title=Ohio lawmakers react to Issue 1 election results|url=https://www.nbc4i.com/news/your-local-election-hq/ohio-lawmakers-react-to-issue-1-election-results/|website=WCMH-TV|date=August 9, 2023|access-date=September 7, 2023}}

Local officials

• Justin Bibb, 58th Mayor of Cleveland (2022–present) ({{font color||#CEE0F2|Democrat}}){{cite web|last=Houmard|first=Celeste|title=Cleveland mayor speaks to Fox 8 News, endorses Issue 1|url=https://fox8.com/news/cleveland-mayor-speaks-to-fox-8-news-endorses-issue-1/|website=FOX 8|date=October 18, 2023|access-date=October 25, 2023}}

Individuals

• Traci D. Blackmon, Associate General Minister of Justice and Local Church Ministries for the United Church of Christ{{cite web|last=Tobias|first=Andrew J.|title=The Catholic Church will campaign against Ohio's abortion-rights amendment. What about the separation of church and state?|url=https://www.cleveland.com/news/2023/09/the-catholic-church-will-campaign-against-ohios-abortion-rights-amendment-what-about-the-separation-of-church-and-state.html|website=The Plain Dealer|date=September 3, 2023|access-date=September 4, 2023}}
• Michael Bloomberg, majority owner and co-founder of Bloomberg L.P., 108th Mayor of New York City (2002–2013){{cite web|author=Associated Press and Spectrum News staff|title=Abortion rights supporters far outraise opponents and rake in out-of-state money in Ohio election|url=https://spectrumnews1.com/oh/cleveland/news/2023/10/27/abortion-rights-supporters-far-outraise-opponents|website=Spectrum News|date=October 27, 2023|access-date=October 28, 2023}}
• Connie Schultz, writer, journalist, and educator{{Cite web|last=Shillcock|first=George|title=Sherrod Brown takes stance on Issue 2 while JD Vance remains silent ahead of Election Day|url=https://news.wosu.org/politics-government/2023-10-30/sherrod-brown-takes-stance-on-issue-2-while-jd-vance-remains-silent-ahead-of-election-day|website=WOSU|date=October 30, 2023|access-date=November 2, 2023}}
• Mini Timmaraju, attorney, reproductive rights advocate, and president of Reproductive Freedom for All{{cite web|last=Timmaraju|first=Mini|title=Ohio voters finally get a chance to overturn dangerous abortion ban|url=https://www.salon.com/2023/11/05/ohio-finally-get-a-chance-to-overturn-abortion-ban/|website=Salon|date=November 5, 2023|access-date=November 7, 2023}}
• Elizabeth Walters, chair of the Ohio Democratic Party{{cite web|last=Balmert|first=Jessie|title=Abortion rights advocates get green light to collect signatures for 2023 ballot measure|url=https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/politics/2023/03/13/ohio-abortion-amendment-signature-collection-begins-for-fall-ballot/69978052007/|website=The Cincinnati Enquirer|date=March 13, 2023|access-date=September 7, 2023}}

Organizations

• American Civil Liberties Union{{cite web|title=INTRODUCING OHIOANS FOR REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM, A COHORT TO SECURE EXPLICIT ABORTION ACCESS IN THE STATE CONSTITUTION|url=https://www.acluohio.org/en/press-releases/introducing-ohioans-reproductive-freedom-cohort-secure-explicit-abortion-access-state|website=ACLU Ohio|date=December 12, 2022|access-date=September 7, 2023}}
• Bend the Arc{{cite web|title=A win for voting rights & abortion access in Ohio|url=https://www.bendthearc.us/august_roundup|website=Bend the Arc|date=August 9, 2023|access-date=September 7, 2023}}
• Fairness Project{{cite web|last=Quinn|first=Melissa|title=After Ohio Issue 1's defeat, focus turns to abortion rights amendment on November ballot|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ohio-issue-1-defeat-focus-turns-to-abortion-rights-amendment-november-ballot/|website=CBS News|date=August 9, 2023|access-date=September 4, 2023}}
• Feminist Majority Foundation{{cite web|last=Amos|first=Madelyn|title=Protect Choice Ohio Coalition Pushes for Ballot Initiative on Abortion|url=https://feminist.org/news/protect-choice-ohio-coalition-pushes-for-ballot-initiative-on-abortion/|website=Feminist Majority Foundation|date=April 5, 2023|access-date=September 7, 2023}}
• Freedom From Religion Foundation{{cite web|title=FFRF's Ohio billboard defends abortion rights|url=https://ffrf.org/news/news-releases/item/42621-ffrf-s-ohio-billboard-defends-abortion-rights|website=Freedom From Religion Foundation|date=August 22, 2023|access-date=September 7, 2023}}
• Green Party of Ohio{{cite web|last=Farley|first=Philena I.|title=Ohio Green Party Newsletter Highlights – October 2023|url=https://ohiogreens.org/newsletter-october2023/|website=Ohio Green Party|date=October 23, 2023|access-date=November 3, 2023}}
• Human Rights Campaign{{cite web|author=HRC staff|title=Human Rights Campaign Endorses Ohio Ballot Initiative to Secure Abortion as a Legal Right in Ohio|url=https://www.hrc.org/press-releases/human-rights-campaign-endorses-ohio-ballot-initiative-to-secure-abortion-as-a-legal-right-in-ohio|website=Human Rights Campaign|date=August 15, 2023|access-date=September 4, 2023}}
• National Association of Social Workers{{cite web|last=Ware|first=Hannah|title=Ohio Voters Reject Issue 1|url=https://www.naswoh.org/news/648361/Ohio-Voters-Reject-Issue-1.htm|website=NASW Ohio Chapter|date=August 9, 2023|access-date=September 7, 2023}}
• Ohio Democratic Party
• Planned Parenthood{{cite web|title=Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio is a proud member of Ohioans United for Reproductive Rights.|url=https://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/planned-parenthood-advocates-ohio/ourr|website=Planned Parenthood|access-date=September 7, 2023}}
• Reproductive Freedom for All
• Sixteen Thirty Fund
• Swing Left
• United Church of Christ

Newspapers

• The Columbus Dispatch{{cite web|last=Dispatch Editorial Board|title=Issue 1 opponents want Ohio to have the most extreme abortion ban in US. Don't let them.

|url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/opinion/editorials/2023/10/26/issue-1-ohio-abortion-rights-vote-against-heartbeat-law/71254082007/|website=The Columbus Dispatch|date=October 26, 2023|access-date=November 2, 2023}}

• The Oberlin Review{{cite web|last=Editorial Board|title=Vote to Protect Abortion Rights, Legalize Marijuana, Prevent Gerrymandering

|url=https://oberlinreview.org/31258/opinions/vote-to-protect-abortion-rights-legalize-marijuana-prevent-gerrymandering/|website=The Oberlin Review|date=November 3, 2023|access-date=November 7, 2023}}

}}

{{Endorsements box|title=No|list=

U.S. Executive Branch officials

• Mike Pence, 48th Vice President of the United States (2017–2021) ({{font color||#FFE6E6|Republican}}){{cite web|last=Oldfield|first=Steve|title=Pence joins latest Ohio fight against abortion access|url=https://spectrumnews1.com/oh/columbus/news/2023/05/10/pence-joins-latest-ohio-fight-against-abortion-access-|website=Spectrum News|date=May 10, 2023|access-date=September 7, 2023}}

U.S. Senators

• J. D. Vance, U.S. Senator from Ohio (2023–present) ({{font color||#FFE6E6|Republican}}){{Cite web|last=Thies|first=Breccan F.|title=JD Vance urges Ohio to vote 'no' on abortion ballot measure: 'This is not about freedom'|url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/healthcare/j-d-vance-ohio-ballot-measure-abortion|website=Washington Examiner|date=October 6, 2023|access-date=October 10, 2023}}

U.S. Representatives

• Max Miller, U.S. Representative from OH-7 (2023–present) ({{font color||#FFE6E6|Republican}}){{cite web|last=Tobias|first=Andrew J.|title=Gov. Mike DeWine, Catholic bishop, to help raise money in Cleveland to defeat November abortion amendment|url=https://www.cleveland.com/news/2023/08/gov-mike-dewine-catholic-bishop-to-help-raise-money-in-cleveland-to-defeat-november-abortion-amendment.html|website=The Plain Dealer|date=August 17, 2023|access-date=September 4, 2023}}

Statewide officials

• Ken Blackwell, 48th Secretary of State of Ohio (1999–2007) and 43rd Treasurer of Ohio (1994–1999) ({{font color||#FFE6E6|Republican}}){{cite web|last=Blackwell|first=Ken|title=Ohio's Issue 1 is About More Than Abortion|url=https://townhall.com/columnists/kenblackwell/2023/11/02/ohios-issue-1-is-about-more-than-abortion-n2630672|website=Townhall|date=November 2, 2023|access-date=November 2, 2023}}
• Mike DeWine, 70th Governor of Ohio (2019–present), 50th Attorney General of Ohio (2011–2019), former U.S. Senator from Ohio (1995–2007), 59th Lieutenant Governor of Ohio (1991–1994), and former U.S. Representative from OH-7 (1983–1991) ({{font color||#FFE6E6|Republican}})
• Keith Faber, 33rd Auditor of Ohio (2019–present) ({{font color||#FFE6E6|Republican}})
• Jon Husted, 66th Lieutenant Governor of Ohio (2019–present) and 50th Secretary of State of Ohio (2011–2019) ({{font color||#FFE6E6|Republican}})
• Frank LaRose, 51st Secretary of State of Ohio (2019–present) ({{font color||#FFE6E6|Republican}}){{cite web|last=Tebben|first=Susan|title=Split ballot board approves reproductive rights amendment summary written by Ohio Sec. of State|url=https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2023/08/24/split-ballot-board-approves-reproductive-rights-amendment-summary-written-by-ohio-sec-of-state/|website=Ohio Capital Journal|date=August 24, 2023|access-date=September 4, 2023}}
• Dave Yost, 51st Attorney General of Ohio (2019–present) and 32nd Auditor of Ohio (2011–2019) ({{font color||#FFE6E6|Republican}})

State Senators

• Matt Dolan, state senator from the 24th district (2017–present) and former state representative from the 98th district (2005–2010) ({{font color||#FFE6E6|Republican}}){{cite web|last=Ingles|first=Jo|title=Supporters of abortion, reproductive rights amendment rally in cities throughout Ohio|url=https://www.statenews.org/government-politics/2023-10-08/supporters-of-abortion-reproductive-rights-amendment-rally-in-cities-throughout-ohio|website=Statehouse News Bureau|date=October 8, 2023|access-date=October 10, 2023}}
• Theresa Gavarone, state senator from the 2nd district (2019–present) and former state representative from the 3rd district (2016–2019) ({{font color||#FFE6E6|Republican}})
• Michele Reynolds, state senator from the 3rd district (2023–present) ({{font color||#FFE6E6|Republican}}){{Cite web|last=LeBus|first=Mary|title=The Ohio ballot explained: Everything you need to know for the November Election|url=https://www.fox19.com/2023/10/11/ohio-ballot-explained-everything-you-need-know-november-election/|website=FOX 19|date=October 11, 2023|access-date=October 25, 2023}}
• Kristina Roegner, state senator from the 27th district (2019–present) and former state representative from the 37th district (2011–2018) ({{font color||#FFE6E6|Republican}}){{Cite web|last=Heil|first=Hannah|title=DeSales student shares why Ohio March for Life, Mass have special meaning for her|url=https://catholictimescolumbus.org/news/hannah-heil/desales-student-shares-why-ohio-march-for-life-mass-have-special-meaning-for-her|website=The Catholic Times|date=October 7, 2023|access-date=October 10, 2023}}

State House members

• Adam Bird, state representative from the 63rd district (2023–present) and the 66th district (2021–2022) ({{font color||#FFE6E6|Republican}})
• Gary Click, state representative from the 88th district (2021–present) ({{font color||#FFE6E6|Republican}}){{cite web|last=Click|first=Gary|title=Click: Clarity on Issue One|url=https://www.thenews-messenger.com/story/opinion/columnists/2023/08/05/click-learn-the-difference-between-a-yes-and-no-vote-on-issue-one/70511851007/|website=Fremont News Messenger|date=August 5, 2023|access-date=October 10, 2023}}
• Jim Hoops, state representative from the 81st district (2018–present; 1999–2006) ({{font color||#FFE6E6|Republican}}){{cite web|last=Blasius|first=Patrick|title=Right to Life encourages voting no on Issue 1|url=https://www.putnamsentinel.com/news/community/right-to-life-encourages-voting-no-on-issue-1/article_55026828-5c6c-11ee-8ae1-5f8123de50b8.html|website=Putnam County Sentinel|date=September 27, 2023|access-date=October 28, 2023}}
• Melanie Miller, state representative from the 67th district (2023–present) ({{font color||#FFE6E6|Republican}})
• Bill Seitz, Majority Leader of the Ohio House of Representatives (2017–present), state representative from the 30th district (2017–present; 2001–2007), and former state senator from the 8th district (2007–2016) ({{font color||#FFE6E6|Republican}}){{cite web|last=Seitz|first=Bill|title=Abortionists trying to trick voters into granting infanticide on demand|url=https://www.cincinnati.com/story/opinion/contributors/2023/10/12/issue-1-constitutional-amendment-would-grant-abortion-without-limits/71130728007/|website=The Cincinnati Enquirer|date=October 12, 2023|access-date=November 2, 2023}}
• Jason Stephens, 106th Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives (2023–present) and state representative from the 93rd district (2019–present) ({{font color||#FFE6E6|Republican}}){{cite web|last=Szilagy|first=Sarah|title=Ohio voters reject Issue 1 in special election|url=https://www.nbc4i.com/news/your-local-election-hq/ohio-issue-1-election-live-results/|website=WCMH-TV|date=August 8, 2023|access-date=September 7, 2023}}

Local officials

• Peggy Lehner, Mayor of Kettering, former state senator from the 6th district (2011–2020; 2008) and former state representative from the 37th district (2009–2011) ({{font color||#FFE6E6|Republican}}){{cite web|last=Lehner|first=Peggy|title=VOICES: Issue 1 will enshrine in our Constitution one of the most extreme abortion laws in our nation|url=https://www.daytondailynews.com/ideas-voices/voices-issue-1-will-enshrine-in-our-constitution-one-of-the-most-extreme-and-permissive-abortion-laws-in-our-nation/FD7NZUAFOFFO5CZSGXUIXHCYWY/|website=Dayton Daily News|date=November 5, 2023|access-date=November 7, 2023}}

Individuals

• David Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown{{cite web|last=Bonnar|first=David J.|title=Bishop Bonnar on the November Abortion Amendment|url=https://doy.org/no-in-november/|website=Catholic Diocese of Youngstown|access-date=September 7, 2023}}
• Earl K. Fernandes, Bishop of Columbus{{cite web|last=Fernandes|first=Earl|title=Defending human life remains a moral issue and not a political one|url=https://catholictimescolumbus.org/news/earl-fernandes/defending-human-life-remains-a-moral-issue-and-not-a-political-one|website=The Catholic Times|date=July 16, 2023|access-date=September 7, 2023}}
• Edward C. Malesic, Bishop of Cleveland
• Dennis Marion Schnurr, Archbishop of Cincinnati{{cite web|last=Schnurr|first=Dennis M.|title=Letter to the Faithful Opposing the November Amendment|url=https://catholicaoc.org/news/from-the-archbishop/letter-to-the-faithful-opposing-the-november-amendment|website=Archdiocese of Cincinnati|date=August 12, 2023|access-date=September 7, 2023}}
• Michael W. Smith, musician{{cite web|last=Foley|first=Ryan|title=Michael W. Smith tells Ohioans to vote 'no' on Issue 1: 'This is a spiritual battle'|url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/michael-w-smith-tells-ohioans-to-vote-no-on-issue-1.html|website=The Christian Post|date=November 6, 2023|access-date=November 7, 2023}}
• Daniel Edward Thomas, Bishop of Toledo{{cite web|last=Thomas|first=Daniel E.|title=Statement of Bishop Daniel E. Thomas Regarding Issue #1 Being Placed on the November Ballot|url=https://toledodiocese.org/diocesan-news/statement-of-bishop-daniel-e-thomas-regarding-issue-1-being-placed-on-the-november-ballot|website=Diocese of Toledo|date=August 25, 2023|access-date=September 7, 2023}}
• Alex Triantafilou, chair of the Ohio Republican Party{{cite web|last=Wilcox|first=Jeremiah|title=Rallies on both sides of Issue 1 intensify ahead of election|url=https://abc6onyourside.com/news/local/rallies-on-both-sides-of-issue-1-intensify-ahead-of-election-voting-ohio-issue-1-abortion-pro-life-pro-choice-canvassing-rally-constitutional-amendment-november-7|website=ABC6|date=October 7, 2023|access-date=October 10, 2023}}

Organizations

• Catholic Conference of Ohio
• Center for Christian Virtue
• Knights of Columbus
• Ohio Republican Party{{cite web|last=Evans|first=Nick|title=Ohio Republican Party committee votes to support amendment change, oppose abortion rights|url=https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2023/05/05/ohio-gop-demands-lawmakers-get-supermajority-measure-on-august-ballot/|website=Ohio Capital Journal|date=May 5, 2023|access-date=September 7, 2023}}
• Ohio Right to Life
• Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America

Newspapers

• The Blade{{cite web|last=Editorial Board|title=Editorial: Issue 1 overreach|url=https://www.toledoblade.com/opinion/editorials/2023/10/22/editorial-issue-1-overreach/stories/20231022028|website=The Blade|date=October 22, 2023|access-date=October 25, 2023}}

}}

{{Endorsements box

| title = Declined to endorse

| list =

Newspapers

• Akron Beacon Journal{{cite web|last=Akron Beacon Journal Editorial Board|title=Here's our analysis of Ohio Issue 1 guaranteeing abortion rights in state's constitution|url=https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/opinion/editorials/2023/10/13/ohio-issue-1-abortion-what-happens-if-passes-fails-analysis/71087063007/|website=Akron Beacon Journal|date=October 13, 2023|access-date=November 7, 2023}}
• The Plain Dealer{{cite web|last=Editorial Board|title=Light and not just heat - editorial board members offer their views on Issue 1, giving voters a chance to read a range of perspectives|url=https://www.cleveland.com/opinion/2023/10/light-and-not-just-heat-editorial-board-members-offer-their-views-on-issue-1-giving-voters-a-chance-to-read-a-range-of-perspectives.html|website=The Plain Dealer|date=October 15, 2023|access-date=October 25, 2023}}

}}

{{notelist}}

Yes received 56.78% of the vote, compared to 43.22% of the vote for No, a margin of 13.56%.

"Yes" won nine of 15 congressional districts, including four that were represented by Republicans.{{cite web | url=https://opoliticsguru.github.io/November-2023-CD/#7/40.214/-82.670 | title=November 7, 2023: Ohio State Issues 1 & 2 by Congressional District }}

Within a day of the close of polling, Ohio's top Republican legislative leaders suggested that action would be taken against the new abortion rights granted by Issue 1.{{cite news |last= Bemiller |first= Haley |date= November 8, 2023 |title= Will of the voters? Republicans in Ohio pledge to push back on abortion, marijuana |url= https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2023/11/08/republicans-ohio-push-back-abortion-marijuana-measures/71500753007/ |work= USA Today |access-date= November 9, 2023}} Ohio Republican House Speaker Jason Stephens said that Issue 1 is "not the end of the conversation" because there are "multiple paths that we will explore to continue to protect innocent life." A spokesperson for Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman reacted to the result: "This isn't the end. It is really just the beginning of a revolving door of ballot campaigns to repeal or replace Issue 1."{{cite news |last1=Zuckerman |first1=Jake |title=After voters back abortion and pot, GOP leaders signal plans to undermine referendums |url=https://www.cleveland.com/open/2023/11/after-voters-back-abortion-and-pot-gop-leaders-signal-plans-to-undermine-referendums.html |access-date=November 9, 2023 |work=cleveland.com |date=November 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231108133013/https://www.cleveland.com/open/2023/11/after-voters-back-abortion-and-pot-gop-leaders-signal-plans-to-undermine-referendums.html |archive-date=November 8, 2023}}

Two days after the result, Ohio State Representatives Jennifer Gross, Bill Dean, Melanie Miller, and Beth Lear, all Republicans, released a statement calling Issue 1 "deceptive", declaring that "Ohio legislators will consider removing jurisdiction from the judiciary over this ambiguous ballot initiative" so that only Ohio legislators can "consider what, if any, modifications to make to existing laws", instead of Ohio courts.{{cite news |last1=Balmert |first1=Jessie |title=Ohio GOP lawmakers propose stripping judges of power to interpret abortion rights, Issue 1 |url=https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/politics/2023/11/10/ohio-gop-lawmakers-float-axing-judges-from-review-of-abortion-measure/71529703007/ |access-date=November 11, 2023 |work=Cincinnati Enquirer |date=November 10, 2023}}

Rick Santorum, a Republican and former U.S. Senator, commented on the simultaneous passage of Issue 1 and Issue 2, the latter of which legalized recreational marijuana: "You put very sexy things like abortion and marijuana on the ballot, and a lot of young people come out and vote. It was a secret sauce for disaster in Ohio{{Nbsp}}... pure democracies are not the way to run a country."{{cite news |last1=Crisp |first1=Elizabeth |title=Bemoaning Ohio results, Santorum says 'pure democracies' aren't how to run a country |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4299354-santorum-ohio-results-pure-democracies/ |access-date=November 9, 2023 |work=The Hill |date=November 8, 2023}}{{cite magazine |last1=Otten |first1=Tori |title=Rick Santorum Says Quiet Part Out Loud After Republican Election Losses |url=https://newrepublic.com/post/176741/rick-santorum-blames-very-sexy-issue-abortion-republican-election-loss-democracy |access-date=November 9, 2023 |magazine=The New Republic |date=November 8, 2023}} Conservative commentator Sean Hannity urged Republicans to adopt a "safe, legal, and rare" framework on abortion.

According to Jessie Hill, professor and associate dean at Case Western Reserve University School of Law, the only way the Issue 1 amendment could be challenged is if there were a change to federal law regarding abortion or if another Ohio constitutional amendment restricting abortion was passed, which would require a majority vote in an election.{{cite news |last1=Lewis |first1=Frank W.|last2=Wilder |first2=Candice |title=Issue 1 vote means abortion access is now protected in the Ohio constitution. What happens next? |url=https://signalcleveland.org/issue-1-vote-means-abortion-access-is-now-protected-in-the-ohio-constitution-what-happens-next/ |access-date=November 12, 2023 |work=Signal Cleveland |date=November 9, 2023}}

On December 15, 2023, the Ohio Supreme Court dismissed the state of Ohio's challenge to a lower court ruling from Hamilton County which stayed Ohio's six-week abortion ban. In March 2023, the Ohio Supreme Court agreed to review the matter following a challenge from the state. However, following the passage of Issue 1, the Ohio Supreme Court dismissed the matter, citing a change in the law.{{cite news |agency=The Associated Press|title=Ohio Supreme Court dismisses challenge to order blocking enforcement of abortion ban |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/ohio-supreme-court-dismisses-challenge-to-order-blocking-enforcement-of-abortion-ban#:~:text=Ohio%20Supreme%20Court%20dismisses%20challenge%20to%20order%20blocking%20enforcement%20of%20abortion%20ban,-Politics%20Dec%2016&text=COLUMBUS%2C%20Ohio%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94,for%20the%20past%2014%20months |access-date=January 2, 2024 |work=PBS |date=December 16, 2023}}

• 2023 Ohio Issue 2
• Abortion in Ohio
• Initiatives and referendums in the United States

• 2022 Kansas abortion referendum
• 2022 California Proposition 1
• 2022 Michigan Proposal 3
• 2022 Vermont Proposal 5
• 2024 Arizona Proposition 139
• 2024 Colorado Amendment 79
• 2024 Florida Amendment 4
• 2024 Maryland Question 1
• 2024 Missouri Amendment 3
• 2024 Montana Initiative 128
• 2024 Nebraska Initiative 439
• 2024 Nevada Question 6
• 2024 New York Proposal 1
• 2024 South Dakota Amendment G

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• [https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/getattachment/cf27c10f-b153-4731-ae9e-e3555a326ed9/The-Right-to-Reproductive-Freedom-with-Protections-for-Health-and-Safety.aspx "The Right to Reproductive Freedom with Protections for Health and Safety"] official text at Ohio Attorney General
• [https://ballotpedia.org/Ohio_Right_to_Make_Reproductive_Decisions_Including_Abortion_Initiative_(2023) Ohio Right to Make Reproductive Decisions Including Abortion Initiative (2023)] at Ballotpedia

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Category:November 2023 in the United States

Category:2023 Ohio elections

Category:Constitution of Ohio

Category:U.S. state constitutional amendments

Ohio Issue 1, 11 2023

Category:Abortion in the United States

Category:Abortion referendums

2023

Category:United States state abortion legislation

Category:Women in Ohio