Florida Voters Keep Florida’s 6-Week Abortion In Place

Florida is becoming a stronghold against the cultural Left

On November 6, 2024, Florida voters rejected Amendment 4, which aimed to place abortion rights in the Florida constitution. In effect, Florida’s six-week abortion ban will stay in place because it did not receive at least 60% of voters. 57% of Florida voters pulled the lever for this ballot initiative, falling short of the 60% mark needed for the amendment to be tacked on to the state constitution. 

Most states require a simple majority for such measures to be passed. 

"This outcome is certainly welcomed by all those who recognize that human life begins at conception and that this is a scientific and biological fact and not merely a religious belief or ideological theory," declared Archbishop Thomas Wenski of the Archdiocese of Miami in a statement. "As such the unborn child should be welcomed in life and protected by law."

Amendment 4, titled "Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion," states that "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."

Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the national pro-life organization SBA Pro-Life America, said in a statement that the result of this ballot initiative is "a momentous victory for life in Florida and for our entire country," celebrating Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ leadership in opposing this measure. 

DeSantis and the Republican Party of Florida had called on voters to vote against Amendment 4. Many opponents of this amendment argued that the measure’s language was "too extreme" and vague with regards to its definition of "viability," declaring it would allow late-term abortions and put pregnant patients.

Florida went resoundingly for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. Trump picked up 56% of the vote in Florida to Kamala Harris’ 42%. The Sunshine State is no longer a place where Democrats can be competitive and gain ground on public policy. 

Now, Republicans in the state should take advantage of this dynamic to go on offense and pass genuine reforms such as full-blown immigration restriction, tax relief for all citizens, and school choice. It’s time to push the envelope.