The following statement can be attributed to Dr. Marcela Azevedo, MD, President of Ohio Physicians for Reproductive Rights:
“Ohio Physicians for Reproductive Rights, a non-partisan coalition of more than 2,000 healthcare professionals, together with respected advocacy groups and concerned individuals from across the state forming Protect Choice Ohio, is committed to placing a constitutional amendment that will protect reproductive freedom and abortion access on the Ohio general election ballot in 2023. The matter is urgent because the lives and health of pregnant persons in this state have been at risk since Roe v. Wade was overturned on June 24, 2022. This dangerous situation must not be allowed to continue one day longer than necessary.
“As physicians, we know that our state is immersed in a medical crisis. That is why we will work collaboratively with all those who support reproductive rights and abortion access to ensure that Ohioans have the opportunity to vote on this critically important issue in 2023.”
“We are grateful for the widespread support and encouragement we are receiving from a diverse group of organizations and individuals and are actively raising the funds we need to conduct a successful campaign. We are moving forward resolutely on a number of fronts including drafting ballot language and building a dynamic statewide organization. We are working with an experienced team of legal, strategic, and communications experts who have a long record of electoral success in the state. a. We continue to welcome all efforts that will lead to a successful vote in 2023.
“We are encouraged by recent citizen votes in favor of reproductive rights in a variety of red and blue states and we look forward to providing Ohioans with the opportunity to determine the future of reproductive health care and abortion access in our state.”