Florida Voters Reject Abortion Rights Amendments

A ballot measure to enshrine abortion rights in Florida's Constitution, known as Amendment 4, failed to pass after not reaching the required 60% voter approval. The defeat is a setback for reproductive rights advocates and a victory for Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, who campaigned against it. The proposal aimed to allow abortions up to fetal viability, contrasting with the current six-week ban. DeSantis faced criticism for allegedly using state resources to oppose the measure, including legal challenges and accusations of infringing on free speech. Despite the measure's failure, 65% of voters expressed support for legal abortion in most cases.