Lawyers argued in front of the Florida Supreme Court regarding an abortion-rights measure, claiming the proposed amendment is deceptive and would significantly expand access to the procedure.
Proponents assert that the language is clear and voters will understand it, while opponents argue it would essentially deregulate abortion entirely.
“This is a wolf coming as a wolf,” Chief Justice Carlos Muniz said. “The people of Florida aren’t stupid. They can figure it out.”
The court’s role is to determine if the amendment focuses on a single subject and if voters will comprehend it.
The amendment says “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 state of Florida through the Legislature, through the executive and also through the courts will have no ability to protect women or regulate any aspect of abortion,” Liberty Counsel Chair Mat Staver said. “It is a free-for-all. It’s total deregulation of abortion, which is frankly deceptive.”
“The language of the summary and the amendment are clear and unambiguous,” lawyer Courtney Brewer said. “Florida voters will be able to understand that and I am confident based on the court’s questioning today that they understand that as well.”
The case is part of a broader national trend to involve voters in abortion rights decisions, and the ruling is expected by April 1.
If allowed on the ballot, 60% of voters would need to approve the measure, potentially impacting abortion access beyond Florida’s borders.
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