Ohio archbishop urges no vote on abortion ballot initiative

Michie · Oct 2, 2023

Issue 1 is a "dangerous" ballot initiative that poses a "threat to human life and dignity."

The Catholic archbishop of Cincinnati, Ohio, Dennis M. Schnurr, has called on Catholics to vote down a “dangerous” ballot initiative, which he called a “clear threat to human life and dignity.”

Archbishop Schnurr recorded a homily that was played at Masses throughout the archdiocese this weekend, traditionally marked as Respect Life Sunday in the Catholic Church in the United States. In a little over a month, Ohio voters will be able to decide on Issue 1, the “Right to Make Reproductive Decisions Including Abortion Initiative.”

According to Ballotpedia, a yes vote would establish a state constitutional right to “make and carry out one’s own reproductive decisions,” including decisions about abortion, contraception, fertility treatment, miscarriage care, and continuing pregnancy. It also would allow the state to restrict abortion after fetal viability, except when “necessary to protect the pregnant patient’s life or health.”

A no vote opposes amending the state’s constitution to establish the constitutional right to “make and carry out one’s own reproductive decisions.”

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