Ohio Abortion Vote Sparks Fear and Hope for Reproductive Rights

Abortion providers in Ohio are bracing themselves ahead of a crucial vote on Issue 1, a proposal to enshrine abortion rights into the state constitution. If the proposal fails, supporters fear that the Ohio supreme court will reinstate the six-week abortion ban, which does not include exceptions for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest. Staff at Preterm, a Cleveland abortion clinic, recall the devastating impact of the ban when it was briefly in effect, with abortions falling by 60% and patients being forced to seek care out of state. Despite polling favoring abortion rights, there is anxiety and uncertainty among advocates due to past political surprises.