People celebrate as Ohio votes to protect abortion rights

People in Ohio gathered for a watch party and celebrate winning the referendum on the so-called Issue 1, a measure to enshrine abortion rights in the Republican-run US state's constitution.

Ohio voted to enshrine abortion rights in the state's constitution, while the Democratic governor of Kentucky won reelection, in results that boosted President Joe Biden ahead of the 2024 White House race.

The "yes" vote victory in Ohio's referendum inserts the right in the Republican-run state's constitution for residents to "make and carry out one's own reproductive decisions," including on abortion. A watch party of "yes" campaigners exploded with joy as the projected results were announced in the midwestern state's capital of Columbus, with many erupting into tears, screams and hugs.