Ohio votes to add abortion access to state constitution

Ohio voters opted Tuesday to adopt a constitutional right to abortion in a race very likely to influence how Democrats talk about the issue in 2024, according to multiple reports.

Both the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times confirmed the historic vote Tuesday night.

Wendy Pace, a 52-year-old mom, told the Times why she voted “yes” on Issue 1.

“I have a teenage daughter and I don’t like having my rights taken away from me,” Pace reportedly said. “I fear that this is just the beginning of rights being taken away, and I do fear for my daughter and what her rights would be going forward.”

Ohio is one of multiple states that sought to expand abortion access in the wake of the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade in June 2022.

Issue 1 will amend Ohio’s state constitution to include protections for abortion access.

"The Right to Reproductive Freedom with Protections for Health and Safety," protects patients seeking abortion from being penalized, burdened or prohibited by the state.

Issue 1 needed to win the majority, just one vote more than 50 percent, to pass. It will take effect 30 days after the election.