Abortion rights advocates in Florida have gathered enough signatures to place a pro-choice amendment on the November ballot.
The amendment aims to secure access to abortion care up to fetal viability, typically around 24 weeks.
“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,” the amendment reads. (Trending: Sports Icon Dies Suddenly At 56)
Despite reaching the signature threshold, the state Supreme Court, which tends to lean conservative, must still approve the ballot’s wording.
“The fact that we only launched our campaign only eight months ago and we’ve already reached our petition goal speaks to the unprecedented support and momentum there is to get politicians out of our private lives and health care decisions,” Lauren Brenzel, campaign director of Floridians Protecting Freedom, stated.
“Most initiative campaigns never make it this far,” Brenzel said.
“The ones that do usually spend far more or take much longer to qualify, which is why we’re so confident that voters will approve our amendment once they’re given a chance to vote.”
The initiative has faced opposition, with the attorney general arguing that the term “viability” is ambiguous.
Supporters emphasize the widespread backing for the amendment and the desire to keep political interference out of personal decisions.
Florida currently has a 15-week abortion ban, and the initiative represents a response to ongoing abortion battles in the state.
“It’s clear to us that the attorney general’s position is a disingenuous argument by a politician desperate to block Floridians from voting on this amendment,” attorney Helene Barthelemay said.
“It’s ironic because the reason this amendment has such strong support is precisely because Floridians don’t want this kind of political interference in their private lives and their personal decisions.”
“The truth is voters know what viability means and they will see right through this effort to silence their voice and vote to approve this amendment in November.”
“Signatures came from everyone and everywhere, proving once again this is not a Republican or Democratic issue — it’s about freedom, healthcare, and safety,” state Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book wrote.
“No woman and no doctor should fear imprisonment over abortion care. No woman or mother should face death because she can’t get proper care. That’s what this fight is about, and that’s why we will win.”
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