Plog Number 146
Progress for Ohioans
Hello Ploggers, How are we all doing? I am thrilled to be writing more of my plogs about reclaiming women's rights. Admittedly I had been envious of Michigan and their forward thinking laws for female autonomy. But I had only briefly mentioned happenings in Ohio, my home state. Groups in Ohio have been going about the business of getting the Women’s Reproductive Rights Amended added to the Ohio Constitution. I did a Tiktok on this topic and people asked me more questions about how to fight the false narratives that are out there, and generally how to help. So I did a little research and here is what I have found so far. I must say that the people in Ohio have been busy working to enshrine the rights that we lost with the fall of Roe through the Dobbs case.
Apparently the first step was to get the initiative to Attorney General Dave Yost’s office. That has been done. Now they have until July 5, to submit at least 413,000 valid signatures. The goal is 700,000 to avoid any rejection of signers. Meanwhile the Ohio Legislature is moving forward with a constitutional amendment that would require at least 60% of voters to approve a ballot measure rather than a simple majority which is 51%.
For those that are looking to donate or help, these are the organizations that are working in Ohio to Reinstate Women’s Reproductive Rights. The ACLU of Ohio, Protect Choice Ohio, NARAL, National Abortion Federation, National Council of Jewish Women, Ohioans for Reproductive Freedom, Ohio Physicians for Reproductive Rights (Lauren Breen MD) , Preterm and Planned Parenthood. #ProtectChoiceOhio WHO Women Have Options. That is not a totally inclusive list.
Groups who are fighting the other way are include but is not limited to the Ohio Right to Life Coalition, Lilli Women's Center, Ohiolife.org and Protect Women Ohio.
Once the Dobbs holding came about, Ohio was quick to pass a 6 week ban on abortion. Senate bill 23 became law in Ohio on June 24, 2022. However a lower Common Pleas Court Judge Christian Jenkins of Hamilton County ruled in favor of a 22 week abortion law. This holding became the law in Ohio in October 2022. A lower court ruling can be overruled on appeal but this case law has stood for some time. This Democratic Common Pleas Judge was elected versus being appointed by the Republican Governor. I love that the power Jenkins has was from the people, not political connectedness. Jenkins is a Democrat who won his bench against a Republican Incumbent. Hamilton County is a heavily Republican area. So Jenkins is a rose in a field of dandelions. That is the power of our vote. Thank you Judge Jenkins for helping us to RECLAIM!
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