A proposed constitutional amendment in Ohio aiming to guarantee abortion access has ignited a fierce debate, with pro-life organizations raising concerns about parental rights. Drafted by the ACLU of Ohio, the amendment asserts an individual's right to manage their reproductive health, encompassing contraception, fertility treatments, pregnancy continuation, miscarriage care, and abortion.

Having gathered the necessary signatures, the coalition of pro-choice groups behind the amendment submitted their petition, paving the way for a potential November ballot appearance pending official review. However, prominent pro-life voices are condemning the amendment's potential impact.

Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, criticized the amendment as jeopardizing the well-being of Ohio's women and children. She argues it diminishes parental involvement in minors' healthcare decisions, specifically regarding abortion, and eliminates crucial health and safety standards for women, potentially enabling late-term abortions.

Similar concerns were echoed by Logan Church, director of CatholicVote Ohio, who labeled the amendment an "unrelenting attack on parents," claiming it excludes them from critical decisions about their children's health, including abortions and gender-affirming surgeries. He also contends the amendment could allow abortions throughout all stages of pregnancy.

While the amendment doesn't explicitly address gender-affirming procedures, critics argue its broad language regarding reproductive decisions could sideline parents if their child seeks such care. Protect Women Ohio (PWO), a group opposing the amendment, highlights past comments by an ACLU of Ohio attorney suggesting conflicting laws wouldn't be enforced under the amendment, further fueling the parental rights debate.

PWO spokesperson Amy Natoce accused the ACLU and supporting groups of employing deceptive tactics to gather signatures, alleging they misrepresented the amendment's implications for parental rights, minors' access to gender-affirming procedures, and late-term abortions.

The ACLU of Ohio has not yet responded to requests for comment on these allegations.