Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and his administration are actively opposing a pro-abortion ballot amendment supported by various leftist groups. Should they succeed, it would demonstrate that Republicans can effectively combat the Left’s new abortion strategies through determined efforts.
Conversely, if they fail, Florida could become what DeSantis labels the “abortion mecca” of the South. He warned, “Because all of the Southeast has various forms of pro-life legislation, Florida would become the abortion mecca of this region — and maybe one of the abortion meccas of the entire world, because it would be one of the most liberal abortion regimes anywhere in the world.”
To counter the amendment, DeSantis has partnered with over 600 doctors and organized statewide events to inform Floridians about its confusing language. The amendment states: “No law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient’s health, as determined by the patient’s healthcare provider.” It also specifies that it does not affect parental notification laws for minors.
Critics argue that Amendment 4 would drastically increase abortions in Florida by creating a “constitutional right to abortion before fetal viability.” To succeed, the amendment needs at least 60% support in the upcoming vote on November 5. However, a recent St. Pete Polls survey indicates that only about 54% of voters currently support it.
DeSantis’s spokeswoman, Taryn Fenske, emphasized the stakes, stating that Amendment 4 would not only revoke existing abortion laws but also eliminate regulations like parental consent and allow non-doctors to perform abortions. She asserted that it would lead to unrestricted access to abortion, backed by out-of-state funding from liberal billionaires.
The amendment is supported by national organizations like the ACLU and Planned Parenthood, which stands to benefit from increased abortions in Florida. Critics worry that it could lead to a surge of women traveling from neighboring states for abortions or even allow exploitative practices in the abortion industry.
Currently, Florida law protects unborn babies with a heartbeat after six weeks. Despite arguments that abortion is a losing issue for Republicans, DeSantis won his re-election in 2022 by highlighting Democratic extremism on abortion. His office contends that Amendment 4 is misleadingly worded to deceive pro-life advocates.
They are countering this narrative with ads from the Republican Party of Florida. While Planned Parenthood has invested $100 million in the amendment’s campaign, the governor’s endorsed PAC and the Republican Party have spent around $20 million.
Pro-abortion groups, including “Yes On 4 Florida,” claim that current laws endanger women’s lives but have yet to provide substantial evidence. The Florida Department of Health has even issued cease and desist letters regarding misleading advertisements related to the amendment.
Ads opposing Amendment 4 highlight past comments from former Planned Parenthood lobbyist Alisa LaPolt Snow, raising concerns about the treatment of babies born alive during botched abortions. The “Vote No on 4” campaign argues that the amendment would facilitate unrestricted abortions and lacks clear definitions.
Despite all high-profile Florida Republicans opposing Amendment 4, one notable exception is Anna Paulina Luna, who has avoided taking a firm stance on the issue. Former President Donald Trump has publicly stated he will vote against the amendment, criticizing the extreme nature of abortion policies being proposed.