November 14, 2023
It’s been one week since the elections in Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky – one week since we got results that we were more than disappointed to see. It was a tough night, and Students for Life Action (SFLAction) President Kristan Hawkins recounted her thoughts in another blog. According to our exit polling, interesting takeaways from the Ohio election included:
- More than half of those who supported Issue 1 did not do so to allow abortion through all nine months of pregnancy.
- One in three voted for the measure to allow for abortion in certain cases (such as rape.)
- About 4% prioritized “minor’s rights,” as they did not support parental involvement.
- 15% said “something else” motivated their vote.
But it was not all bad news on election night – something we also chronicled in another blog – and our volunteers and team on the ground deserve a lot of credit for that outcome.
Specifically, we want to recognize and thank Jamie Curry, Ohio Regional Coordinator, and Maddie Crytzer, Mid-East Campus Formation Coordinator, for their tireless efforts and hard work all over the state of Ohio. The media covered their hard work extensively, and they boldly told the truth and fought for the preborn in every interview.
For more on Students for Life Action’s engagement in Ohio and in this election cycle, read:
Students for Life Action Notes “It’s a Marathon and not a Sprint” in this Election & Every Other, as Ohio Returns Come in
Throughout the entire Ohio Issue 1 campaign, we secured excellent media coverage showcasing our grassroots efforts to protect life in Ohio. Check out some of the highlights below:
Catholic News Agency: Hundreds of pro-life students fight to prevent passage of Ohio abortion referendum
“Nearly every person I’ve had a conversation with has had no idea the ramifications of Issue 1. Most are largely uninformed on Issue 1 and simply believe it will protect women. However, through conversations at our SFLA table, that changes. When they learn and read for themselves that Issue 1 will allow abortion up until birth, many decide to vote [against the referendum],” SFLA student Morgan said.
Washington Post: After setback, antiabortion forces struggle before key Ohio vote
“I feel like the state of America for a lot of people right now, they just like aren’t in the place to have a child or to be a parent,” Sasha Thornton, 18, a political science major from Cincinnati who favors abortion rights, told Drummond.
Jamie Curry, the energetic regional coordinator for Students for Life, stepped in.
“We never know what someone is going to face. We can’t end innocent human life just because someone may one day face a hardship,” she said.
New York Times: Why the Abortion Ballot Question in Ohio Is Confusing Voters
“Kristi Hamrick, the vice president of media and policy for Students for Life, which opposes abortion and has been “dorm knocking” on college campuses in Ohio, said the anti-abortion side had relied too much on “vague talking points” to try to win earlier ballot measures. “It wasn’t direct in what was at stake and how people would be hurt,” she said. “What is at stake is whether or not there can be limits on abortion, whether we can have unfettered abortion.”
The Catholic Telegraph: Miami University pro-life students fight to prevent passage of Ohio abortion referendum
“In addition to door-knocking, some pro-life students have been active on their campuses, encouraging their classmates to oppose Issue 1. Much of the on-campus activism has come from student groups associated with Students for Life of America.
Morgan Reece, the president of the Students for Life of America Bowling Green State University chapter called Falcons for Life, told CNA the group is regularly engaging with students through tabling, which included “a huge anti-Issue 1 [table] display.”
NPR: Abortion is on the ballot in Ohio. The results could signal what’s ahead for 2024
“Nursing student Ariana Allen, left, talks with Allison Stump, Students for Life Coordinator with Catholic Charities Diocese of Toledo, about Issue 1, on the Lima campus of The Ohio State University.”
Politico: Conservatives target Ohio to end their losing streak on abortion votes
“We’re not here to register Democrats. We’re not here to register Republicans. We’re here to register students who want to have a voice in this issue,” said Jamie Scherdin, the Ohio Regional Coordinator for Students for Life. “This is the largest voting bloc in America, and it gets neglected very often.”
New York Times: Ohio Is Voting on Whether to Establish Abortion Rights
ABC News: Ohio voters enshrine abortion access in constitution in latest statewide win for reproductive rights
“For us, it’s very clear that post-Roe America, our movement is very much a marathon, not a sprint,” Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life of America said.”
Cleveland: ICYMI – Anti Issue 1 backers misleading Ohioans about existing Ohio abortion laws
“And canvassers for Students for Life told Ohio State University students last weekend that voting against Issue 1 “would keep abortion accessible up to 21 weeks and six days” while not mentioning the heartbeat law or the court battle surrounding it, Politico reported.”
The Post Athens: Citizens discuss the importance of casting a ballot
“Emma Gobert, a senior studying biology, is a member of Ohio University Students For Life. The organization works to spread information on facts related to abortion and reproductive rights, as well as resources for students.”
Did we miss any important media hits or your favorite commentator covering this news? We want to see it! Tweet the link at us: @studentsforlife or email us at [email protected].