The proposed constitutional amendment is for a lot more than just abortion.  It starts with “all individuals” even men and children, “reproductive rights”, which is a vague legal term that is constantly expanding, and “not limited to … abortion.”  This language is in the first sentence. If the amendment is not limited to abortion, then what else is to be included?  All four of the items mentioned in the amendment are already covered by Ohio or Federal Law. Women and babies are protected by Ohio law.

The proponents of the amendment want us to focus on an adult woman’s right to choose an abortion. Of course, they do not mention that the baby inside her womb is a person, as defined by science.  They do not mention that her choice decides whether the baby will live or die. They also do not mention that the “woman” who is pregnant might be 14 years old. They do not mention that the proposed amendment states that it is illegal for anyone to offer alternatives that might save the child’s life, and provide a healthier alternative to the mother. (Abortion is more dangerous than full-term delivery.) They do not mention that some of the “anyone's” who offers alternatives might include the parents of a pregnant teenager. They do not mention that the school officials are required to “help” the teen to procure the desired abortion. They do not mention that the school officials are forbidden to reveal the situation to the parents. (NOTE: these are the same school officials that are required to get parental permission prior to providing a Tylenol for a headache or a Midol for menstrual cramps.) They do not mention that “reproductive rights … not limited to abortion” could include sterilization, puberty-blocking chemicals, sex change, or other medical procedures.  The proposed amendment even insists that they must be provided these procedures and that the provider is forbidden to share any information with the parents.

The proponents do not mention that if we amend the constitution of the State of Ohio as proposed, then many current laws on the books will become null and void. This includes any laws concerning abortion, and parental rights to know what schools are doing with regard to the reproductive rights of their children.