To the editor:
Read the proposed amendment to the Ohio Constitution entitled the Right to Reproductive Freedom with Protections for Health and Safety. It is less than one page and only about 200 words. As you read, please note the following problems.
This amendment is not just about elective abortions, is it? It is about the "right to reproductive freedom." Perhaps there are other "rights" being sought to be protected that are not addressed directly, but are hidden between the lines.
Consider, again, the definition of every individual. A search for the definition of "individual" yields many results. One of the most inclusive I found was, "An individual is that which exists as a distinct entity."
Let's apply this definition to humans. When do we exist as a distinct entity? I would argue (and my wife would confirm, as would my daughters, who each have had more than one child) that babies in the womb are distinct entities. When did they become so?
I believe at fertilization we each exist as a distinct entity. A judge in Ohio who agrees could rule that we are required to protect the rights of every individual from that point, and all the rest of this proposed amendment as it relates to abortion and continuing pregnancy would be overturned. I think it is unlikely to find such a judge.
Rather, I think the crafters of this amendment have the intent that judges will rule individuals exist only after birth. It then becomes problematic as to when these individuals have the capacity to make reproductive decisions. I feel quite certain that the intent of the proposal is to emancipate children not only seeking abortion or contraception without parental consent, but those seeking puberty blockers or surgical mutilation of healthy body parts as part of the transgender-transsexual confusion and chaos that we are witnessing.
It is clearly stated that "The state shall not … burden, penalize, prohibit, interfere with or discriminate against either an individual's voluntary exercise of this right or a person or entity that assists an individual exercising that right … State includes any government entity and political subdivision."
So, if this amendment passes, plan to kiss parental rights goodbye to bring up a child in the way they should go regarding reproductive decisions. Anyone working for the state (think public schools and the local health department) will be able to assist and affirm in these decisions, but will be prohibited from giving guidance that might steer the child toward an alternative decision.
Is this something you support? I predict increasing numbers of adolescents who come to regret their decisions to engage in treatments that have rendered them sterile and unable to enjoy sexual relations in the same manner as their peers who weren't subjected to these so-called gender-affirming therapies.
If we look at what is happening in the United Kingdom and in Europe, we see countries backing away from allowing such care so easily because the long-term dissatisfaction is so great.
Please vote no on Issue 1.
Dr. W. Scott Stine
Carrollton