Abortion Burdens May Return To Ohio, Supreme Court Race Takes Center Stage

Ohio Abortion Access

Ohio voters will decide in November who they want to replace retiring Republican Justice Maureen O'Connor on the Ohio Supreme Court. Whoever wins will likely determine the fate of abortion access in the state.

In June, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 ruling that had legalized abortion nationwide. That decision left it up to individual states to decide whether to restrict or ban abortion.

Ohio has a "heartbeat bill" on the books that would ban abortion once cardiac activity can be detected in the fetus, which is usually around six weeks. The law was blocked by a federal court, but it could go into effect if the Ohio Supreme Court upholds it.

The Candidates

The two candidates for Ohio Supreme Court are Republican Sharon Kennedy and Democrat Jennifer Brunner. Kennedy is a sitting justice on the Ohio 10th District Court of Appeals. Brunner is a former Ohio Secretary of State and Cuyahoga County Commissioner.

Kennedy has said she believes Roe v. Wade was wrongly decided and that she would uphold the state's heartbeat bill. Brunner has said she believes abortion should be legal and that she would strike down the heartbeat bill.

The Stakes

The outcome of the Ohio Supreme Court race will have a significant impact on abortion access in the state. If Kennedy wins, the heartbeat bill is likely to go into effect, making it much more difficult for Ohioans to get abortions.

If Brunner wins, the heartbeat bill is likely to be struck down, and abortion will remain legal in Ohio. The outcome of the race will also have national implications. If Kennedy wins, it could embolden other states to pass restrictive abortion laws.

If Brunner wins, it could send a message that voters are not in favor of overturning Roe v. Wade.

Conclusion

The Ohio Supreme Court race is one of the most important elections in the country this year. The outcome of the race will have a significant impact on abortion access in Ohio and beyond.

Voters should carefully consider the candidates' positions on abortion and other issues before casting their ballots.