The Case for Voting No on Issue 1

This November, Ohioans will vote on what is arguably, the most important issue of their lifetime; issue 1. [1] Issue 1 would “allow an unborn child to be aborted at any stage of pregnancy…” Issue 1 is a citizen-led constitutional amendment, which means that if passed, issue 1 would enshrine in Ohio’s constitution the right to abortion. Abortion would be considered as a fundamental right, alongside our most cherished and inalienable rights of life, liberty, and property.

But what is abortion? The answer to this question is tied to the answer of a preceding question: “What is the preborn?” In the Bible, the preborn are clearly considered to be human persons (see Exodus 21:22–25; Judges 16:17; Psalm 22:10; Job 3:3, 11–16, 31:18; Luke 1:36, 41). The wealth of scientific data demonstrates that this is true. Dr. Ward Kischer, Human Embryologist, and emeritus professor at University of Arizona states, “Every human embryologist in the world knows that the life of the new individual human being begins at fertilization. It is not belief. It is scientific fact.” Therefore, abortion, is the intentional killing of an innocent human being. Abortion is murder.

Hence, with issue 1, Ohioans will face a very clear choice: approval or rejection of constitutionally protected preborn murder. Article I of the Bill of Rights found in Ohio’s Constitution states, “All men…have certain inalienable rights, among which are those of enjoying and defending life and liberty…” Likewise, the equal protection clause of the 14th amendment, found in the U.S. Constitution, states, “nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” Issue 1, in granting a right to murder preborn children, clearly stands in opposition to the Ohio Constitution, as well as the U.S. Constitution.

But there is a higher authority that must be appealed too: Almighty God. In His law, He prohibits murder (Exodus 20:13), commands rulers to do justice (Psalm 82:2–4), and ordains government as His own stewards to preserve and protect life (Genesis 9:6, Romans 13:1–7). The Bible tells us that human life is valuable regardless of external factors, because each person is made in the image and likeness of God, and is imbued with transcendent, intrinsic, and inviolable worth and dignity. Furthermore, the Scriptures have a very clear notion of moral obligation—the idea that we as human persons have a commitment for one another. We are inescapably accountable for one another. The question, “am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9; James 5:4–20) is continually affirmed as “yes” throughout Scripture. The French Reformer, John Calvin, wrote in his Institutes, “we are required faithfully to do what in us lies to defend the life of our neighbor; to promote whatever tends to his tranquility, to be vigilant in warding off harm, and, when danger comes, to assist in removing it.” This notion of moral obligation is summed up in what is known as the second greatest commandment, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). In November, the duty, nay, the divine imperative of every voting Ohioan is to reject the murderous agenda of Issue 1. Love your neighbor and vote NO on Issue 1.

1 - Early voting begins on October 11th and Election Day is November 7th.