To protect abortion rights in Florida’s constitution, abortion rights campaigners collected enough signatures for a 2024 vote. Florida’s 15-week abortion restriction may be challenged by the referendum’s 891,523 validated signatures. Republicans like Governor Ron DeSantis might lose abortion restrictions if it passes.
Florida Gathers Signatures for Abortion Rights Referendum: Governor DeSantis Expresses Confidence in Overturning Restrictions
After signatures were acquired, Governor DeSantis expressed confidence that draconian measures won’t prevail in Florida. A six-week abortion ban, now in the lawsuit, may challenge Florida’s 15-week abortion prohibition.
Abortion supporters and Democrats see the measure as an important step toward reproductive rights and healthcare access. Nearly one million Florida voters support reproductive rights, said Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried.
According to Florida Women’s Freedom Coalition head Anna Hochkammer, grassroots support for abortion access is broad. She stressed the need for modern, safe, and dignified healthcare for women and girls, with optimism for the referendum’s 2024 success.
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Florida Abortion Rights Amendment Faces Legal Challenges on Path to Ballot
A milestone, but the amendment faces difficulties on its way to the general election ballot. Ashley Moody, Florida’s attorney general, is challenging the proposal in the Supreme Court as deceptive. Fla. Voters Against Extremism and Susan B. Anthony List have filed briefs opposing the ballot proposal.
Florida Supreme Court arguments on February 7 will determine whether the amendment passes with a 60% majority. The amendment is opposed by Florida Family Policy Council president John Stemberger, who emphasizes the court proceedings’ difficulty. His group is hiring workers and a consultant for a comprehensive amendment campaign.
In November 2023, advocacy groups in Ohio passed a constitutional amendment to allow abortion rights. In the continuing abortion rights debate, Florida’s referendum will be a focus point.