‘Undo the damage’: Groups react to Florida Supreme Court’s rulings on abortion
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Florida Supreme Court on Monday issued two rulings regarding abortion.
The panel, made up of all Republican appointees, opened the door for a ban on abortions after six weeks — a point which some women do not yet know they are pregnant. In a separate ruling, the court said it will allow Florida voters to make the ultimate decision in November.
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One of the Amendments voters will be asked to vote on is Amendment 4. It states no law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability, which is around 24 weeks of pregnancy, or when necessary to protect the patient’s health, determined by their health care provider.
“The fact that the Supreme Court ruled in our favor, it is just a huge relief,” said Amy Weintraub, a reproductive rights program manager at Progress Florida. “We are really, really psyched that the Florida electorate, Florida voters, are now going to have a chance to undo the damage that the legislature’s done.”
Critics worry the language of the Amendment is misleading.
“Not only do you not need a doctor, but any healthcare provider, which again, is undefined. Is it carefully crafted to allow abortion on demand at any time, for any reason, including late term abortions?” Florida House Speaker Paul Renner (R-Palm Coast) said.
The state’s highest court also ruled that the state’s Constitution does not protect access to abortion, which will now allow Florida’s six-week ban to go into effect in 30 days.
“That’s, to me, a step in the right direction in promoting a cultural life here in the state of Florida, but still, my main focus is going to be defeating the Constitutional amendment,” said Reggie Hobbs, president of Tampa Bay Pro-Life Alliance.
Local pro-choice groups said the six-week ban puts women’s health at risk.
“The new law, the six-week ban, in some few weeks, that is going to be a potential life and death matter for a lot of women,” said Cecile Scoon, co-president of League of Women Voters.
That ban is set to begin in 30 days, and will remain unless the amendment passes, which would overturn it.
“Basically, our job now is to get out to people who are sympathetic to a pro-life cause to vote against the amendment,” Hobbs said.
“Tell your friends, get out there, vote in November and vote for Amendment 4,” Scoon said.
In order for the amendment to pass, it must be approved by at least 60% of voters.
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