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[Archive] Issue 1: Right to Make Reproductive Decisions Including Abortion Initiative (2023)

[Archive] Issue 1: Right to Make Reproductive Decisions Including Abortion Initiative (2023)

HPIO is an independent and nonpartisan organization. Our mission is to advance evidence-informed policies that improve health, achieve equity, and lead to sustainable healthcare spending in Ohio. HPIO’s primary audience is policymakers and since voters are policymakers in the case of a ballot initiative, HPIO regularly creates resource pages to make information on the health impact of relevant statewide ballot issues easily accessible. The links to resources contained on this page are for educational purposes only and do not reflect the views of HPIO, including HPIO staff, board members and funders.

 

On Nov. 7, 2023, Ohio voters approved Ohio Issue 1. Because the constitutional amendment could have significant future implications on health policy in Ohio, HPIO plans to keep this resource page active for future reference.

Background

On Nov. 7, 2023, Ohioans will vote on Issue 1 – a ballot initiative that would create a constitutional amendment that would:

  • Establish a state constitutional right to “make and carry out one’s own reproductive decisions,” including decisions about abortion, contraception, fertility treatment, miscarriage care and continuing pregnancy
  • Allow the state to restrict abortion after fetal viability, except when “necessary to protect the pregnant patient’s life or health.” Fetal viability is defined in the amendment as “the point in a pregnancy when, in the professional judgment 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.”

Issue 1 is a citizen-initiated constitutional amendment. This means that the constitutional amendment was proposed by Ohio citizens and will be submitted directly to Ohio voters who can vote to enact the amendment to the Ohio constitution. This process does not require any action from the Ohio state legislature (i.e., General Assembly).

For more details about the ballot initiative process, see the Ohio Secretary of State website.

 
 

Official arguments for and against the amendment

The following arguments were filed with the Ohio Secretary of State:

 

Resources 

State abortion policy trackers

Research and data

Issue forum

Ohio Decides: Issue 1 Forum (Oct. 15) — Ohio Debate Commission

 

News articles that explain the issue

Attend HPIO's 2026 Health Policy Summit on Aug. 26

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