Vote “No” on Issue 3
Ohio Right to Life Argues Issue 3 Endangers Born and Unborn Babies
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Katherine Franklin
DATE: Wednesday, October 7, 2015 PHONE: 614-547-0099 ext. 304
COLUMBUS, Ohio–Today, the Ohio Right to Life Society announced its strong opposition to statewide ballot Issue 3, the marijuana-monopoly-legalization amendment on the November 3 ballot. Studies show that smoking marijuana during pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, premature births, developmental delays, and behavioral and learning problems.
Issue 3 would allow unfettered access to marijuana without any restrictions during pregnancy. Current science is in opposition to pregnant women ingesting any recreational drugs and smoking any substance. Consumption of illegal drugs is not safe for the unborn baby or for the mother. As Ohio continues to address its infant mortality crisis, the Ohio Right to Life Society believes that it is critical for all Ohioans to take a stand against the mass legalization of a drug that poses serious health risks to unborn children.
“The health and safety of our children both born and unborn compels our organization to take a firm position against Issue 3,” said Mike Gonidakis, president of Ohio Right to Life. “Ohio’s babies already face numerous threats to their right to life without a statewide marijuana industry compounding those threats. Further, Ohio Right to Life believes any marijuana made available for the purpose of adult recreational use leads to youth access and is not in the best interest of the health and well being of Ohio’s children.”
The Ohio Right to Life Society joins multiple organizations in opposing Issue 3: Ohio Children’s Hospital Association, Ohio State Medical Association, Ohio Hospital Association, Ohio Nurses Association, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Ohio Chapter of American Academy of Pediatrics, Catholic Conference of Ohio, and more.
“Just as we have always done, Ohio Right to Life continues to seek ways to protect human beings across the whole spectrum of life,” said Gonidakis. “A whole host of medical associations are opposing the broad legalization of recreational marijuana for a reason: Marijuana simply isn’t risk free. It poses serious consequences for innocent human beings who are completely vulnerable to harmful choices. The Ohio Right to Life Society urges Ohio voters to consider these babies’ innocence and their complete vulnerability and vote ‘no’ on Issue 3 this fall.”