Analysis: Anti-abortion rights groups tried to change the subject on Issue 1. They failed

Ohio Right to Life and their allies in the anti-abortion rights movement seemed to know they couldn't win by attacking the idea of reproductive rights, so they tried to change the subject.

They ran a campaign based on claims that Issue 1 would take away parental rights; that parents would not be able to stop their children from having sex change operations.

They claimed, too, that Issue 1 would allow abortions to take place right up to the moment of birth — a claim found nowhere in the language of the amendment.

Ohio voters weren't buying it.

The issue passed with ease. With 53% of the state's vote counted, Issue 1 had 56% of the unofficial vote count.

It was approved overwhelmingly by voters in all of the state's major urban counties — 72% in Hamilton County. It also picked up support in some traditionally Republican counties. It was leading with 53% in Butler County and 59% in Delaware County, just north of Columbus.