Florida voters rejected Amendment 4, a pro-abortion measure, with 57% voting "Yes" but failing to meet the 60% supermajority needed to pass. The amendment aimed to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution, countering Florida's current 6-week abortion ban. Pro-life groups credit Governor Ron DeSantis' vocal opposition for the measure's defeat, despite significant spending by pro-abortion advocates. The outcome is seen as a victory for pro-life supporters and a setback for the abortion rights movement in the state.
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.
The Florida Supreme Court's recent decisions have set the stage for a significant change in abortion rights in the state, with a 6-week abortion ban set to take effect and Amendment 4, which would protect abortion up to 24 weeks, appearing on the November ballot. Supporters and opponents of the amendment gathered at a rally in Orlando, with "Yes on 4" backers advocating for women's right to choose and "No on 4" protesters expressing concerns about the accessibility of abortion. If approved, Amendment 4 would overturn both the 15-week and 6-week abortion bans, but it requires 60% or more of voters' approval to pass.
