Ohioans should have the freedom to make decisions about their reproductive health WITHOUT government interference.

Add your name to join with others who are choosing rights, freedom, justice and power this election. Vote YES on Issue 1.

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We stand with the overwhelming majority of faithful Ohioans across our state who support comprehensive reproductive health access and denounce the extreme restrictive measures that power-hungry government officials have taken to not only ban abortion but restrict reproductive rights by dictating what we can or cannot do with our own bodies. We urge a YES vote on Issue 1 this November at the polls.

As Black faith and community members, we support and respect a pregnant individual's freedom and right to make reproductive healthcare decisions. That is why we urge a "YES" vote on Issue 1 to protect access to reproductive healthcare in Ohio permanently. Across our traditions, race and various identities, our diverse communities of faith support the right to access full reproductive healthcare, including miscarriage care, fertility treatment, family planning, the use of contraceptives, abortion care and more.

Issue 1 is about protecting reproductive freedom from extremist judges, out-of-touch legislators and special and out-of-state interests intent on stripping Ohioans of the right to seek lifesaving, necessary reproductive health care. Their agenda is an unholy violation of freedom that takes away the ability of pregnant individuals to decide and sustain themselves as they see fit. WE WILL NOT allow our faith to be hijacked in order to deny a pregnant person the care they require.

Black women, who already face higher risks of health complications or death related to pregnancy or childbirth, should not lose their bodily autonomy because of government interference. Taking away their right to access reproductive care leads to higher risks of physical and mental health complications and mortality, higher teen pregnancy rates and increased financial burdens.  

Whenever people of faith are faced with complex decisions, they turn to God to determine what their next best steps should be. Policy and laws on reproductive care should not disrupt one’s ability to discern with God and those they trust about what reproductive and medical care they should receive and what PERSONAL decisions would best benefit them and their families. We believe that patients and their medical providers – not judges nor state legislators – are most equipped to make decisions concerning healthcare, family planning and life preservation.  

Our faith teaches us that we must be good neighbors who work diligently to create and defend beloved communities grounded in love, care, compassion and unrestricted autonomy. As people of faith, it is our calling to protect people’s inherent dignity and freedom, to respect their moral agency and to be co-creators with God ensuring that everyone has safe, healthy and sustainable communities where they can thrive. Ohioans can and must be trusted to make their own ethical, moral and faith-informed decisions about their bodies, families and futures.

We can stop repressive, suppressive and life-threatening legislation this November by voting and encouraging others to vote. Together, we will use our voices at the ballot box and encourage others to VOTE YES on Issue 1.

OHIOANS CHOOSE FREEDOM!

Add your name to our faith and community leader sign-on. Pledge to Vote YES in November and help build an Ohio where our reproductive rights and freedom are valued and protected.