Controversial Procedure Sparks Debate in Ohio's Abortion Amendment Battle
Anti-abortion groups in Ohio are using the term "partial-birth abortion" to rally opposition against a reproductive rights measure on the November 7 ballot. However, the term refers to a procedure known as dilation and extraction (D&X), which has been federally prohibited for over 15 years. Constitutional scholars argue that the proposed constitutional amendment would not override the existing federal ban. Ohio is the only state where voters will decide on the legality of abortion this November, but the debate is expected to continue in other states next year. The use of the term "partial-birth abortion" in the campaign is misleading, as it is not a recognized medical term or procedure.