Anti-abortion groups warn that if Republicans continue to avoid addressing the issue, they will face defeat once more.
Republicans Must Address the Issue of Abortion, Says SBA Pro-Life America
Following a loss in Ohio, where the threshold for constitutional amendments to pass was increased, SBA Pro-Life America is placing the blame on Republicans who “bury their heads in the sand” when it comes to the issue of abortion.
On Tuesday night, the anti-abortion movement in Ohio suffered a defeat as Issue 1, which aimed to increase the threshold for a constitutional amendment to 60%, was unsuccessful in stopping a pro-abortion rights ballot measure from passing.
Opponents Raise Concerns About Broadly Written Ballot Measure
Opponents of the upcoming ballot measure in Ohio argue that it is written so broadly that it will allow individuals of any age to receive abortions and transgender medical interventions without parental consent or knowledge.
This tactic of using ballot measures to enshrine abortion access in state constitutions is being employed by pro-abortion rights activists across the country, particularly in states that have enacted protections for the unborn. The issue of abortion is expected to be a key focus for Democrats in the upcoming 2023 and 2024 elections as they aim to win state houses, retain the presidency, and maintain control of the Senate.
Divide Among Republicans on Abortion Issue
Many Republicans attribute their sub-par performance in the 2022 election to the overturn of Roe v. Wade. However, there is a significant divide among conservatives on how to address the issue of abortion.
One group of Republicans and conservatives believes that the anti-abortion argument can be a winning message in elections, but they feel that too many candidates are hesitant to address it directly. On the other hand, some Republicans fear that the country has become too accepting of abortion, making it a losing issue at the ballot box.
This divide is expected to impact elections at all levels, and anti-abortion organizations are sounding the alarm for Republicans to take action.
Republicans Urged to Address Abortion Issue Head-On
SBA’s vice president for communications, E.V. Osment, emphasized the need for Republicans to stop avoiding the topic of abortion. She stated, “Democrats are crystal clear — abortion will be a primary part of their campaign in the 2024 elections. If Republicans do not go on offense with an affirmative pro-life message, their Democrat opponents will wrongfully paint them as extreme, and they will lose.”
While SBA cited the influence of “millions of dollars of dark money” in the Ohio election, they also expressed disappointment in the silence of the establishment and business community, which they believe contributed to the loss. SBA warned that as long as Republicans continue to ignore the issue of abortion, they will continue to face defeat.
Abortion Measures Across the Country
Ohio is not the only state where activists are seeking to bypass the legislature with ballot measures related to abortion. Maryland and New York will have constitutional amendments on their ballots in 2024, while Florida, Missouri, and South Dakota have similar measures awaiting certification for next year. On the other hand, states like Pennsylvania, Iowa, and Nebraska have amendments in place that restrict or eliminate the “constitutional right” to abortion.
In the 2022 elections, there were six constitutional amendments addressing abortion, and in every case, the pro-abortion rights side emerged victorious. Democrats have celebrated these wins, with President Joe Biden praising the defeat of Issue 1 as a victory for democracy and women’s rights.
Conservative Movement Urged to Take Action
Tom Shakely, the chief engagement officer at Americans United for Life, echoed the sentiment that the conservative movement needs to do more on the issue of abortion. He stated, “Passive or purely reactive strategies will not work.” Shakely emphasized that the pro-life movement must respond to the tactics of the pro-abortion movement, which he believes is using state ballot initiatives to advance their agenda.
Winning Hearts, Minds, and Votes on Abortion
In order to effectively address the issue of abortion, Osment explained that Republicans must speak to voters in terms of “love and help” for both mother and child. She highlighted the importance of pro-family policies, such as tax credits, parental leave support, and resources provided at pregnancy resource centers, in countering the perception that abortion is the only solution to an unplanned pregnancy.
Osment also emphasized the scientific argument, pointing out that unborn children can feel pain at 15 weeks. She urged Republicans to define their pro-life position and support reasonable national pro-life protections, with SBA’s standard being a 15-week national protection. SBA has criticized both President Donald Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) for their failure to support this limit.
Osment contrasted the pro-life position with what she described as the “extreme Democratic position,” which she claimed does not support any limits on abortion. She concluded by stating that the Democratic stance is out of touch with the majority of Americans.
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