Republican Senate candidate Bernie Moreno is facing increasing backlash for his staunch anti-abortion views, which stand in stark contrast to the Ohio voters who overwhelmingly supported reproductive rights in last year’s general election.
Moreno, a prominent figure in the GOP race, has been a vocal advocate of Ohio’s controversial “heartbeat bill,” which bans most abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy, with no exceptions for rape or incest. This legislation was a significant point of contention until it was overturned by a constitutional amendment approved by Ohio voters last year.
Despite this clear voter mandate, Moreno has continued to champion restrictive abortion laws. On January 13, 2022, during an interview on Cincinnati’s 55WKRC radio, Moreno declared, “Absolute pro-life, no exceptions,” positioning himself as a firm proponent of restrictive abortion policies.
In recent campaign appearances, Moreno has further emphasized his anti-abortion stance. Speaking to Dayton Republicans on March 10, 2024, Moreno criticized fellow GOP candidate Ohio Sen. Matt Dolan for his 2019 vote against the heartbeat bill. Moreno’s remarks highlighted his commitment to a strict anti-abortion agenda, distinguishing himself from other candidates.
Moreno’s support extends beyond state legislation. He has endorsed a national abortion ban that would counter Ohio’s voter-approved protections. Last month, he reiterated his support for a federal ban on multiple occasions, prompting concerns among reproductive rights advocates.
Dr. Lauren Beene, a pediatrician and co-founder of Ohio Physicians for Reproductive Rights, criticized Moreno’s position. “A ban is a ban,” Beene said, underscoring the perceived inconsistency between Moreno’s stance and the views of Ohio voters.
Democratic incumbent Sen. Sherrod Brown has also weighed in, arguing that decisions about abortion should be made between a woman and her doctor, not by politicians. Brown’s campaign has framed the upcoming election as a pivotal moment for protecting reproductive rights in Ohio.
As the race for Senate intensifies, Moreno’s positions on abortion continue to draw significant attention and debate, reflecting broader national discussions on reproductive rights and individual health care decisions.
