How Floridians are voting on Constitutional right to abortions

Reporter: Olivia Jean Writer: Julianna Perez
Published: Updated:

Besides Amendment 3, another of the more controversial amendments on the ballot is Amendment 4, which would limit government interference in abortions.

Reporter Olivia Jean is closely watching how Floridians are voting on the measure, which would update Florida’s Constitution with new rules on abortion in the state.

Overview

Amendment 4 proposes adding language to Florida’s Constitution that would limit government interference in a woman’s choice to get an abortion up to the stage of viability.

According to Florida Statute Title XXIX, Chapter 390, 390.011, viability is “the stage of fetal development when the life of a fetus is sustainable outside the womb through standard medical measures.”

As of May 2024, Florida law bans abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, with exceptions in cases of rape, incest or threat to the life of the mother.

Prior to the six-week ban, Florida legislature allowed abortion procedures until 15 weeks.

If passed, Amendment 4 would prohibit any law from restricting abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the mother’s health, as advised by a medical professional.

If the amendment does not pass, Florida’s six-week abortion ban will remain.

WINK News spoke with two first-time voters who shared their thoughts on the amendment.

Charlie Youngs, an 18-year-old voter, said that when it came to deciding his vote, he considered the mother’s ability to provide and care for the child after birth.

“And the mother, if she wasn’t willingly planning on having a baby, then both their lives can necessarily be completely destroyed,” said Youngs. “Although it could be a gift in disguise, economically trying to have this child survive in this situation, I don’t think it’s the right situation to put them in.”

Miles Smith, also 18 years old, said his religious beliefs were the main reasoning behind his decision to vote against the amendment.

“I’ve been taught for my whole life that abortion is wrong and to get rid of an innocent child, although it’s a touchy subject, I don’t believe it should be allowed,” said Smith.

To learn more about this amendment, click here.

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