CLEVELAND — In a move that has gained national attention, Ohio has passed Issue 1 on abortion rights with more than 56 percent of the votes in favor.
While President Joe Biden declared the outcome a win for democracy, reaction is coming in from religious leaders within the Catholic church.
Below is the full statement from Cleveland Bishop Edward C. Malesic after Issue 1 passed:
Today is a very sad, disheartening day for me, as I am sure it is for so many of you who have championed the great cause of upholding the sanctity of human life, from the moment of conception. Even though our efforts to overcome the enshrinement of abortion into our state constitution failed, we must never give up on the just cause to support a culture that values every life, at every stage.
We must recommit ourselves to supporting pregnant women in need through our ministries that serve them – whether they face challenging pregnancies or find it extremely difficult to care for their children after birth. We must continue our work to care for these vulnerable women by providing physical, emotional and spiritual support through places like Zelie’s Home, the Christ Child Society and the many programs offered by Catholic Charities.
Please join me in praying and persisting in our mission to protect every life, which is foundational to our faith and in our belief that every life is a priceless, precious gift from God.
RELATED: More reaction after Ohio voters approve Issue 1: Read the full statement from President Biden
Here is the full joint statement from the Catholic bishops of Ohio:
Today is a tragic day for women, children and families in Ohio. We mourn that the dignity of human life remains concealed by the duplicity of a culture of death. Though this is a day of sorrow, we are never without hope. St. Paul tells us that it is in hope that we were saved and, “if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance.”
Asking for God’s protection and mercy, we must look ahead. Despite the obstacles this amendment presents, the Catholic Church in Ohio will continue to work for policies that defend the most vulnerable, strengthen the child-parent relationship, and support women in need. As we pray for the conversion of minds and hearts to the gospel of life, we recommit ourselves to defending children in the womb and supporting women in need. The Catholic Church and faithful will never grow weary in our mission to help women and families flourish through ministries such as Walking with Moms in Need and other local organizations that provide material and spiritual support and through advocacy with policymakers.
We, the Catholic bishops of Ohio, are grateful to the Catholic faithful, clergy and all people of goodwill whose actions in this campaign demonstrated our commitment to honoring and upholding the dignity of life. Your sacrifices prove that the Church will never abandon her mission to support human life. We will persevere in this mission until every preborn child is protected, every pregnant woman is supported, and every human life receives respect, dignity and justice.
With you in Christ Jesus,
Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr, Archdiocese of Cincinnati
Bishop David J. Bonnar, Diocese of Youngstown
Bishop John Michael Botean, St. George Byzantine Catholic Diocese
Bishop Paul J. Bradley, Diocese of Steubenville
Bishop Bohdan J. Danylo, Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of
St. Josaphat in Parma
Bishop Earl K. Fernandes, Diocese of Columbus
Bishop Edward C. Malesic, Diocese of Cleveland
Bishop Daniel E. Thomas, Diocese of Toledo
Bishop Michael Woost, Diocese of Cleveland
The decision on Issue 1 comes after the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022, giving each state the ability to determine their own laws.
So what’s next? Issue 1 will take effect on Dec. 7, which comes just 30 days after the election.