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In what could prove to be a monumental front in the fight for life, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has urgently called on Ohioans to turn down a proposed amendment that threatens to enshrine abortion into the state’s constitution as early votes started pouring in this Wednesday. Issue 1, as the controversial amendment is designated, has drawn criticism from governor DeWine and first lady Fran DeWine, who suggest that it would overstep by enabling unrestricted abortion at any stage of pregnancy.

In a new advertisement for ballot issue political action group ‘Protect Women Ohio’, which ardently advocates against Issue 1, DeWine states, “Fran and I have painstakingly examined Issue 1. It’s not right for Ohio, regardless of your viewpoint on pro-life or pro-choice.”

Pro-life supporters and Republicans have argued that such an amendment would further a movement that removes all limitations on abortion within the state—a hotly contested issue. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, in an in-depth legal evaluation disseminated late last week, proposed that Issue 1, if successful at the ballot, would lead to full legalization of abortion. “This amendment would grant abortion more protection to avoid regulation than at any period in Ohio’s history,” the report disclosed, indicating, “[T]hat new assessment introduces definitions and other standards that make any ‘reproductive decision’ law tougher to survive.”

Issue 1 is endorsed by several organizations, among them the Ohio Democratic Party, the ACLU of Ohio, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio, and the Ohio Women’s Alliance.

As stakeholders battle for influence, ‘Protect Women Ohio’ recently aired an advertisement spotlighting Martin Haskell, a known advocate of partial-birth abortion, who had donated a substantial $100,000 to ‘Ohio Physicians for Reproductive Rights’. This political action committee had opposed a Republican-endorsed initiative that would have tightened amendment criteria for the state constitution, while also advocating for the passage of Issue 1.

Amy Natoce, the press secretary for Protect Women Ohio, disclosed that this contribution from Haskell was a calculated move as it ends up being “an investment in his late-term abortion practice.” Natoce further stated, “Issue 1 removes abortion-on-demand restrictions through all nine months of pregnancy and eliminates commonsense health and safety protections for women, freeing late-term abortionists like Martin Haskell. There’s no doubt; no Ohioan wants that form of extremism and tragedy in our state.”

The ongoing debate is not just around the legalities but also centers around the ethical concerns surrounding late-term abortion. Facts about Martin Haskell have surfaced exhibiting that he not only pioneered the inhumane partial-birth abortion procedure in Ohio but also claims to “routinely” perform late-term abortions at 20-24 weeks, and disturbingly, admits that about 80% of the partial-birth abortions he initiates are ‘purely elective.’

In addition to this urgent matter, Ohio voters are also set to cast their votes on the legalization of recreational marijuana for adults.

As an epochal decision on this sensitive issue stands on the brink, it becomes even more telling of the times we live in. The consequent wave could cause a sea change not limited to Ohio but could resonate nationally. Let’s ponder the audacity of a measure that not only challenges the sanctity of life but accelerates a radical and unrestricted approach to abortion, raising critical ethical, social, and health-related concerns. Will Ohioans opt to reinforce their values, uphold commonsense health regulations, and reject this predatory practice that disproportionately targets the vulnerable and unborn? As early voting commences the decision rests in their hands as they deliberate on what is just and right for the state of Ohio, and ultimately, for humanity at large. Remember, your voice, your vote, holds the power to protect and affirm life.