Outcome of Ohio Ballot Measure on Reproductive Health Protects Economic Security for Women Entrepreneurs

“The small business community is elated that Ohio voters passed ‘Issue 1’ today, which reaffirms strong support for protecting access to reproductive health, including abortion care and birth control. Access to reproductive health plays a key role in entrepreneurship, with nearly two-thirds of women small business owners reporting that the freedom to choose if and when to have children has allowed them to advance in their career or start their own business.

In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization overturning the constitutional right to abortion, smaller firms were concerned about the impact of the ruling on their bottom lines. Our research found that in states where reproductive rights were being threatened or restricted, about 10% more women small business owners said their revenues were declining than improving. Additionally, with 71% of women small business owners agreeing that it is important for their employees to have access to reproductive health, employers were also concerned about the long-term consequences this decision may have on retaining their workforce in states that threaten access to reproductive care. 

Across the political spectrum, the vast majority of women entrepreneurs support the right to abortion care and believe that access to reproductive healthcare is vital to their economic well-being and security. Ohio voters have set the correct tone by passing a measure that supports reproductive health and advances equitable access to career growth opportunities. It's time for policymakers across the country to take note.”

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