In May of 2022 when it was leaked that the Supreme Court planned to overturn the landmark ruling in the case of Roe vs. Wade I was one of many Americans devastated by the news. At only 15, I wasn’t pregnant, nor did I plan on it any time soon, but the decision wasn’t just an attack on abortion, it was an attack on women.

Recently however, the state of Ohio voted on the issue. Issue 1 was on the ballot. Voting yes would enshrine the right to an abortion in the Ohio Constitution. Corrupt Republican lawmakers did everything in their power to stop the issue from passing. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose was a huge supporter of a measure that would require 60% of the vote for the Constitution to be amended. Well, LaRose failed and he failed miserably. Sorry bud that’s not how democracy works, the majority rules.

Issue 1 passed in the state of Ohio. The state that voted for Trump twice is a pro-choice state. I couldn’t be more proud to live in a pro-choice state. Though I couldn’t picture myself ever getting an abortion, it’s not just about me. Rape and incest victims should not have to give birth. Impoverished people should not have to give birth. Pregnancies that threaten the life of the mother should not have to happen. And no one who does not want to be pregnant should have to be.

Issue 1 is a win for all women. As Republicans have tried to strip women of their rights, Ohio fights back. The Ohio voters have proven that the United States is pro-choice, despite a decision from a corrupt Supreme Court. The passage of Issue 1 gives women a choice, but it also establishes a precedent that women are going to fight for their rights and will not be silenced.

Issue 1 is a beautiful example of democracy. Despite what the media says Ohioans support women’s rights. Ohioans support democracy. Republicans will try to fight the decision and try to take women’s rights but women will not be silenced until we are treated equally.