Since Florida implemented a ban on abortions past six weeks of pregnancy in May, around 700 women sought care at Planned Parenthood in Miami only to find it was too late. Some went to other states for care, while others were not able to do so. Dr. Chelsea Daniels, a physician at Planned Parenthood, is advocating for Amendment 4, which would enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution. The amendment would guarantee the right to abortion before fetal viability, around 24 weeks. However, Florida’s unique requirement that ballot amendments need 60% voter approval poses a challenge. Republican Governor Ron DeSantis and his administration have been ramping up efforts against the amendment, with the state even threatening criminal charges against TV stations airing ads in support of Amendment 4. Critics of the abortion ban argue that the exceptions are difficult to prove and deter doctors from providing necessary care. The state has faced accusations of fraud and censorship in opposition to the ballot measure. Despite challenges, organizers are optimistic that Amendment 4 will pass, with efforts to educate voters ongoing, especially in Latino communities. Awareness of the ballot measure is increasing, but there is still work to be done to inform voters about the implications of the abortion ban and the importance of passing Amendment 4.
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Final Push for Florida’s Abortion Ballot Measure in the Days Leading Up to the Election
