Abortion rights advocates calls out ‘sham of a process’ leading to language warning about Amendment 4 costs

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Abortion rights advocates complained of “dirty tricks” after a state panel drafted ballot language to appear next to an abortion rights initiative that critics worry could scare off voters due to warnings about potential high litigation costs.

“They’re trying to cause confusion and hide the real issue: Amendment 4 is about ending Florida’s extreme abortion ban which outlaws abortion before many women even realize they are pregnant,” said Lauren Brenzel, campaign director for Yes on 4.

“This sham of a process is a reminder to Florida voters that politicians are playing dirty tricks to overcomplicate and politicize a simple administrative fix.”

A representative tapped by Gov. Ron DeSantis and a staff member at the conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation helped override the state’s top economist at the Financial Impact Estimating Conference (FIEC).

The FIEC debated for hours three Mondays in a row and then reached a 3-1 consensus Monday night to agree on the disclaimer’s wording about the Amendment 4’s impact to the state budget. Without further overview, the wording will now get sent to the Secretary of State’s Office to be distributed to Florida’s local Election Supervisors.

The FIEC’s majority argued voters need to be aware that Amendment 4 is expected to cost the state in litigation expenses.

“Everyone agrees litigation is coming, right? It’s like ‘Game of Thrones.’ Winter is coming,” said Chris Spencer during Monday’s meeting. “Litigation is going to occur as a result of this.”

Amendment 4 advocates argued the panel’s decision was political. The grassroots effort had collected signatures to put the initiative on the ballot. The referendum faces opposition from DeSantis and other Republican leaders.

“Floridians deserve the freedom to make informed decisions on Amendment 4, but yet again the Florida government is getting in the way, just as it’s been interfering in patients’ personal health care decisions. From our exam rooms to the ballot boxes, politicians are intent on butting into Floridians’ private lives,” said Mona Mangat, a St. Petersburg physician who is involved with The Committee to Protect Health Care.

Amendment 4 needs at least 60% of the vote to amend the state’s constitution, with the goal of overturning the state’s current six-week abortion ban.