OTTAWA, OH (WLIO) - The people of Putnam County also held walk for life ahead of the November 7th election.
Organized by Ella Schumacher and Chase Maag, the walk began at 11am in front of the Putnam County Courthouse. It aimed to raise awareness about the state of Ohio's proposal to establish in the constitution an individual's right to reproductive medical treatment, including abortion.
The proposed constitutional amendment could create legal protects for anyone who receives or assists a person with receiving reproductive medical treatment. The attendees of the walk opposed this proposal and advocated against it.
"The election is right around the corner on Tuesday. To get the message out is for the whole state-wide issue to win; that's why I think it is important," said co-host Chase Maag.
"It also involves parental rights. So if a child, like a teenager, got pregnant, they could go get an abortion without telling their parents. So, I just think it's important let all the community know on this important issue, and it's just fun to walk for life," explained co-host Ella Shumacher.
Voters in Ohio can vote for Issue 1 and 2, as well as local candidates, on Tuesday from 6:30am to 7:30pm.
LIMA, OH (WLIO) - The Allen County Democratic Party organized a rally at the square in downtown Lima on Saturday to voice their support for a yes vote on Issue 1.
Several Democratic candidates for state and national offices came to stand with residents as they listened to speakers give their perspectives on reproductive rights. Many took the microphone, and most shared the opinion that they did not want lawmakers to have control over medical choices. Supporters say that Ohio's current abortion ban goes too far, and many are concerned about the lack of exemptions for cases of incest, rape, or the health of the mother.
"Issue 1 includes a provision to prohibit abortion after viability, but, and this is important, it allows doctors to treat patients in time of medical need, and that provision is not in the current abortion ban. We're passing Issue 1 to protect patients," said Gabriel Mann, the communications director for Ohioans United for Reproductive Rights.
"I think young women should realize that abortion access, it's not a right that should be bestowed on us by men in positions of power, or taken away by those same men. It's a right that has been fought for by generations of women, and I hope to raise my daughter to fight for her beliefs," added Kari Kuhn, a Lima resident and mother.
Kuhn encourages everyone, regardless of their stances, to get out to the polls and cast their votes on Tuesday.
