Medina County Democratic Party supports proposed statewide abortion amendment

MEDINA — The Medina County Democratic Party Executive Committee endorsed Issue 1, which will be on the November ballot statewide, during its meeting on Aug. 29. Issue 1 is a proposed constitutional amendment titled the "Right to Reproductive Freedom with Protections for Health and Safety." The amendment language states that everyone would have the right to make their own decisions regarding contraception, fertility treatment, pregnancy, miscarriage care and abortion. The full text of the proposed amendment can be viewed at bit.ly/3nmyAZO. In a media release, the Medina County Democratic stated that if the amendment passes, it will "help protect a full range of reproductive health care." "We need everyone's help to remind Ohioans to vote yes in the Nov. 7 election to ensure that individuals and their physicians, not the government, have control over their own reproductive health care," Medina County Democratic Party Vice Chair Pam Miller said. "Working together, we can make a difference in Ohio." In August, the Republican Party of Medina County passed a resolution that opposed the ballot initiative. The RPMC stated at the time that it opposes late-term abortions and parental rights being infringed. It also created a "Vote No" committee that focuses on Issue 1. The Medina Democratic Club will have nurses give a presentation regarding abortions Thursday at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom. Mary Luebke will be a presenter and she will speak on the impacts that banning abortion has on health care. Janet Kennedy, who treated people who had an abortion before Roe V. Wade was originally established, also will speak. To join the Zoom meeting, sign up for the club's emails in advance at bit.ly/3Pe3TjI. People who signed up for the emails will receive the Zoom link both two days before and one hour before the meeting starts. Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.