May 2nd, 2022

Updated May 6th, 2022

Community, 

We are angry, heartbroken, and more determined than ever after seeing the leaked draft version of Dobbs that seeks to overturn Roe and Casey, and in turn, undercut the fundamental right to privacy that protects a person’s access a safe, legal abortion.

But as we explained in our last email, abortion is not all that is on the line: our collective freedom to make decisions regarding our most private affairs is at stake. The draft opinion references and undercuts the intertwined line of cases that protect bodily autonomy and privacy in intimate acts (Lawrence v. Texas), and the right to marry the person we love—whether they be of a different race (Loving v. Virginia) or of the same sex (Obergefell v. Hodges).

This is a shameful moment for our Court.

To be clear, abortion is still legal in Ohio right now. This is a draft opinion—not the final holding of the Court, which is expected at the end of June. That said, it is a strong predictor of what the final result will be—overturning the landmark Roe v. Wade case that protects our constitutional right to an abortion—and we all must be prepared to push lawmakers to secure these rights through state and federal legislation.

The most important thing you can do right now in Ohio is vote on August 2nd and November 8th. This November, key elections securing the fate of our most cherished rights will take place. We are hard at work on a scorecard to help you navigate the November 8th general election ballot. That scorecard will offer a review of current Ohio lawmakers’ legislative records and analysis of how candidates may—or may not—prioritize our civil rights.

Here’s what you can do right now: (we will continue to update this section) 

VOTE! Look up your polling location and what will be on your ballot before you go. (Don’t forget to thank your poll workers!)

SUPPORT Ohio’s only statewide abortion fund that provides access and support to critical reproductive healthcare

FOLLOW organizations that fight every day for reproductive justice for breaking news and policy updates, including: Planned Parenthood Affiliates, the Ohio Women’s Alliance, Pro-Choice Ohio, Faith Choice Ohio, and URGE. You can also follow our linktree for updates.

SPEAK UP about the dangerous trigger bans pending in the Ohio Statehouse (HB 598 and SB 123). Contact House Speaker Bob Cupp and the Committee Chair (Rep. Wilkin), as well as contacting the committee. Contact Senate President Matt Huffman and the Committee Chair (Rep. Stephen Huffman), as well as contacting the committee. 

We hope that you take a moment to process this jaw-dropping news and decide what you are willing and able to do in this important moment. 

We are angry and heartbroken. But we are also more resolved than ever to ensure our collective fundamental rights. We see you, we love you, and we are fighting with you now and always. 

Onward together, 

Alana Jochum and the Equality Ohio Team