USA
Decision with a signal effect: Ohio enshrines abortion rights in the constitution
Abortion rights advocates in Columbus celebrate the victory of the referendum on Issue 1, a measure to enshrine abortion rights in the Ohio Constitution
© Megan Jelinger / AFP
Whether and when a woman has the right to an abortion is a question that divides the USA like no other. Since the Supreme Court’s historic ruling, the decision-making power has once again fallen to the individual states. Ohio now enshrines the right in the Constitution.
After fierce political battles, the right to abortion is enshrined in the constitution of another US state. In a referendum in On Tuesday, a majority of voters in Ohio were in favor of this step, as the television channels CNN, NBC, ABC and CBS reported in the evening (local time) based on vote counts and forecasts. There had previously been similar referendums in the states of Michigan, California and Vermont, which were also in favor of abortion supporters.
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US President Joe Biden: “Democracy has won”
US President Joe Biden reacted happily to the decision. The people of Ohio “voted to protect their fundamental freedoms – and democracy won.”
In the future, the right to abortion in Ohio will be constitutionally protected until the fetus is viable – i.e. until approximately 24 weeks of pregnancy – and beyond if the mother’s life is at risk. More restrictive legislative proposals in the state will be eliminated with the constitutional amendment.
Right to abortion: also an election issue
In June last year, the US Supreme Court overturned the right to abortion, which had previously been constitutionally protected throughout the country. Since then, sovereignty over legislation has once again rested with the individual states. A legal patchwork has emerged – strict restrictions have come into force in many places. Abortion is effectively banned in 14 states.
Polls show a majority of people in the US support limited abortion rights. The issue is one of the most controversial socio-political issues in the USA. It is also likely to be a major campaign issue in next year’s congressional and presidential elections. The Democrats around Biden hope to be able to mobilize voters through this.