To the editor:
The Catholic Conference of Ohio, which is the “official voice” of the Catholic Church, is wrong about Issue 1. Its recent insert in church programs was absurdly wrong. Issue 1 — the proposed Reproductive Freedom amendment — will NOT compromise parental consent. A leading argument to try to sway parents, knowing that polls show that 57% of voters approve of reasonable abortion rights.
If you think the use of the word “individual” in Ohio’s Issue 1 proposed constitutional amendment means kids will be able do whatever they want regarding their reproductive health, without parental involvement, then what you’re really claiming is that the Ohio Constitution already allows kids to refuse their parents’ requests to go to church or do any number of other behaviors. Not so.
For example, you’re claiming that the Ohio Constitution already allows kids to own guns without parental permission. And you’re claiming that the Ohio Constitution already allows kids to speak, write, and publish whatever they want and their parents can’t do anything about it.
That’s right folks. The Ohio Constitution in Article 1 Section 7, says no “person” shall be compelled to attend, erect, or support any place of worship. Article 1 Section 4 says “people” have the right to bear arms. Article 1 Section 11, says every “citizen” may freely speak, write, and publish. Kids are people, each kid is a person, and most kids in Ohio are citizens but there are restrictions for those under 18.
I hope those opposing Issue 1 will realize the absurdity of their “individual” argument, as well as the absurdity of allowing a rapist to choose the mother of his children, as is the case under current Ohio statutes that don’t have an exception for rape.
I want everyone to vote their conscience with full information. Misinformation is dangerous to the future of our state and our nation.
Solveig Spjeldnes
Athens, Ohio
