When Roe v. Wade was overturned this summer, doctors warned that restrictive abortion bans would lead to rape victims being forced to carry the child of their rapist, or seek help out of state. Now, it’s happening right here in Ohio.
Recent findings in a court case challenging Ohio’s strict abortion law show at least two minors who were sexually assaulted were forced to leave Ohio to receive treatment. This is the nightmare scenario for abortion rights, and if the GOP takes control of Congress this November, they’ll take this nightmare to the national level.
These heartbreaking stories will only become more common as the GOP implements abortion restrictions in states across the nation. The only consolation right now is that our Democratic majority in the House and Senate will block any attempt at a national abortion ban. But, with the midterm elections coming up in just a few weeks, our Democratic majorities could be in danger.
National GOP leaders have already made it clear they intend to pursue a federal abortion ban if they take Congress. GOP Senator Lindsey Graham, after flip-flopping from his initial position that abortion laws should be left up to the states, has already come forward with a proposal to take Ohio-style abortion bans to every state in the country.
This means these cases will become more common, and women won’t be able to travel to states with less restrictive abortion laws. This is just horrific, John, and we have to make sure this never happens.
As a Cuyahoga County Council member and Chairwoman of the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party, Shontel Brown has spent the last decade serving the people of Ohio and building coalitions. Now, as the Congresswoman for Ohio’s 11th District, she will fight for affordable quality health care, jobs that pay fair wages, a strong public education system, and equity and justice for all. Will you join her and be the change we need?
