Tim Ryan, Democratic U.S. Representative for Ohio’s 13th congressional district, declared in an op-ed piece yesterday that he’s changed his stance on abortion after listening to women’s stories.

Ryan now is pro-choice, explaining in his op-ed that abortion “is not a partisan issue, but a personal one.” He credited conversations with women across Ohio – and their varied stories of financial hardship

“Where government does have the ability to play a significant role is in giving women and families the tools they need to prevent unintended pregnancies by expanding education and access to contraception. We must get past the ignorance, fear and — yes — discrimination against women that lead to restrictions on contraception and age-appropriate sex education,” Ryan wrote in his op-ed for the Akron Beacon Journal. Ryan’s piece touched on other issues as well, including access to contraception and age-appropriate sex education.

Lana Moresky, a long-time activist in Ohio who currently serves on the steering committee of the Cuyahoga Democratic Women’s Caucus, applauds Ryan’s change, telling FMF in a phone interview, “We in Ohio are absolutely thrilled that he’s been able to come to this position.”

“It’s very significant, and the more and more people think deeply about (the issue), more people come to this conclusion,” Moresky said. She also noted that to admit change is a humbling thing to do and hopes that Ryan’s change of mind will encourage others to do the same. “We want to show the support of people who change. This encourages others to change (so) it’s really important to accept them with open arms. I’m very excited about it.”

Media Resources: Akron Beacon Journal, 1/27/15