Gabrielle Russon
The group backing a constitutional amendment that would protect abortion rights has filed a lawsuit to shut down a state health agency website fighting against Amendment 4.
Floridians Protecting Freedom, the political committee behind Amendment 4, said the state-run website, as well as TV and radio advertisements, are illegal taxpayer-funded initiatives and are spreading misinformation.
“Florida is protecting life. Don’t let the fearmongers lie to you,” the website for the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) says. It lists reasons why voters should reject Amendment 4, including claims that the amendment would deregulate the health care industry and make abortions unsafe for women.
“Florida’s government has crossed a dangerous line by using public resources to mislead voters and manipulate their choices in the upcoming election,” said Michelle Morton, staff attorney for the Florida chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU of Florida).
“The State cannot justify its current abortion ban and its dire impacts on Florida’s voters, so instead it is attempting to undermine the political power of the people enshrined in Florida’s Constitution. This lawsuit aims to stop these unconstitutional efforts and restore integrity to our electoral process.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis defended the state’s website this week.
“Everything is above board. We have resources to do public service announcements across a wide variety of fronts,” DeSantis said. “Everything that’s put out is factual … and I’m glad they’re doing it. I think it’s informative.”
ACLU of Florida and Southern Legal Counsel filed the lawsuit on behalf of Floridians Protecting Freedom. The new lawsuit comes less than two months before Floridians will vote whether to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution. Florida’s six-week abortion ban went into effect in May.
The state website warns that abortions could be allowed later in pregnancy or parent consent for minors could be eliminated, which Amendment 4 leaders say is untrue.
“The State has continued to oppose Amendment 4 and has unlawfully weaponized taxpayer resources to do so. Its latest effort is a misinformation campaign retooling an AHCA website initially established to help Floridians research healthcare costs and compare prices to to instead spread misinformation about Amendment 4 and abortion laws in Florida — and then using television and radio advertisements to drive voters to the deceptive website,” the Amendment 4 lawsuit said.
The suit is seeking a temporary and permanent injunction to take down the website.
Reproductive rights advocates say Florida’s six-week abortion ban is almost a total ban since most women don’t realize they are pregnant until after six weeks.
Florida’s law allows exceptions up to 15 weeks of pregnancy for rape, incest and human trafficking victims if they provide proof of the crimes against them with a police report, restraining order or medical report. Two physicians can also say in writing that an abortion is necessary to save a pregnant woman’s life.
22 comments
Pat
September 13, 2024 at 9:07 am
Abortion is already legal in Florida. 60 % of abortions occur during the 1st 6 weeks of pregnancy. Health care provider can be someone other than a doctor who could recommend an abortion . Do No Harm.com. Read about it.
Michael
September 13, 2024 at 11:11 am
You really should read the Florida Statute instead of going to anti-abortion websites. Do you really think you will get the truth in its entirety? Here is the statute wording…
The exceptions to the 6 week gestational age (since last menstrual period) abortion ban are as follows: (1) within 15 weeks gestational age, if the woman can give evidence from medical or official documentation that the pregnancy is due to rape, incest, or human trafficking; (2) before the third trimester, if two doctors certify a fatal fetal abnormality; and (3) at any time, with doctor(s)’ certification, “to save the pregnant woman’s life or avert a serious risk of substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function of the pregnant woman other than a psychological condition”.
While I find no impartial corroboration of your 60% figure, let’s assume it is true. God neither blessed you, nor anyone else, with the right to deny healthcare access to the other 40%.
George
September 13, 2024 at 11:29 am
And the other 40%??
JD
September 13, 2024 at 11:38 am
The more comments I see like this, the more I feel Pushaw’s playbook is in play with paid shills from overseas. If you are a legit person, here is the truth (however inconvenient) as a rebuttal to misinformation you may or may not knowingly be repeating.
Saying “abortion is already legal in Florida” overlooks the reality of the six-week ban, which makes it nearly impossible for many people to access the procedure before they even know they are pregnant. By the time most realize they’re pregnant, the window has already closed under this restrictive law.
The claim that 60% of abortions happen in the first six weeks is misleading—many people don’t even discover they are pregnant until after that point – the math simply doesn’t work out with population, gestation, etc. This law isn’t about protecting rights; it’s about restricting access.
Additionally, healthcare providers in Florida must still follow strict regulations, including the requirement that only licensed professionals perform abortions, not just anyone. The suggestion that non-doctors can randomly recommend abortions is an exaggeration that misrepresents how medical guidelines actually work.
It’s essential to look at the full context of these laws and the barriers they create for people seeking legitimate healthcare, rather than downplaying the issue.
cassandra was right
September 13, 2024 at 11:50 am
Tell that to the woman forced to carry a dead fetus for months. Or a fetus that is literally killing her. You are trying to turn families’ tragedies into cheap “pro-life” advertising slogans. You are confused. Get your information from a reputable website, not one spewing gratuitous, hateful propaganda. You should be ashamed. Republicans.Immoral. Indecent.
Vote for DECENCY and FREEDOM from government intrusion!
Vote YES on 4!
Cheesy Floridian
September 13, 2024 at 1:48 pm
YES! Choice = Freedom!
Cheesy Floridian
September 13, 2024 at 1:37 pm
Lies Pat Lies. It is not legal. Most people don’t even know they are pregnant during that time frame. Maybe read some stories about how these laws and bans have harmed people in many different states. Do better. Vote yes on Amendment 4
Michael K
September 13, 2024 at 9:31 am
Every state that has put women’s reproductive freedom on the ballot has affirmed that right – and women and the men who love women will turn out in droves to support it.
The last thing our governor wants is people turning out to vote. He’s on the losing side of this issue, and he is terrified. He will abuse every lever of power to thwart the will of the people.
Cheesy Floridian
September 13, 2024 at 1:49 pm
He is trying something dirty. I will not be surprised if and when this does pass he says that his department of state found fraud and the amendment is invalidated. Even though the time for the investigation has passed and his sneaky little tactics are happening right now
JustsayNo#4
September 14, 2024 at 8:38 am
“Reproductive rights”=
Killing children in abortion.
Why not refer to the issue by what it actually is?
“The right to reproduce” or not is a choice you make before a human being is conceived and alive.
It’s sad to think that those who advocate for this cannot reason that once conception occurs there are two lives not one. Two bodies not one.
JD
September 14, 2024 at 8:56 am
This comment misrepresents what “reproductive rights” actually means. It’s not just about abortion; it includes access to contraception, prenatal care, and the right to make informed choices about one’s body and future. The idea that “the right to reproduce or not is a choice you make before conception” ignores the complexities of real life—contraceptives can fail, pregnancies can have severe complications, and not everyone is in a position to safely bring a child into the world.
As for the belief that “once conception occurs, there are two lives,” that’s a deeply personal viewpoint. Legally and medically, a woman has the right to make decisions about her own body, especially in the early stages of pregnancy. Reproductive rights are about providing safe, legal options for individuals to make personal decisions, not about “killing children.” It’s about trusting people to make the best choices for their circumstances.
cassandra was right
September 13, 2024 at 11:30 am
$1 million for advertising hidden in DeSantis 2024 budget:
“A few months before Florida’s public healthcare agency launched an ad campaign to stop Florida voters from overturning the state’s near-total abortion ban, state lawmakers in Tallahassee quietly gave the agency $1 million in taxpayer money to spend on “marketing.”
Lawmakers slipped the money into the state budget under a misleading line item that gave no hint of how it could be used. They did so at the request of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration….
The money to market the website was buried deep inside Florida’s $116.5 billion budget….
There’s no specific mention of it all in the 523-page state spending plan. It only briefly surfaced during secretive negotiations near the end of session….
And even then, it appeared under a line item identified only as “Health Care Data Transparency” that gave no indication that the money was for advertising….”
—-Jason Garcia, Seeking Rents
PeterH
September 13, 2024 at 11:34 am
The gubberment tellin women what they can and cannot do with their own health management decisions is called FREEDUMB!
Cheesy Floridian
September 13, 2024 at 1:39 pm
This is the free state of Florida Peter. Don’t forget it. Just because it doesn’t seem like we are really free, our Supreme Leader has put it on our signs along the highways for about $60k a sign. I mean why would the great supreme super smart governor of ours have to put it on multiple signs? I thought we were always free
Vote blue
September 13, 2024 at 2:15 pm
Free to get an abortion. Oh wait no you’re not. Free to check out Steven King novel. Oh wait no you’re not. Free to live your life as you please. NO YOU’RE NOT!!!! Nothing for life is free especially Florida the most draconian fascist state in the country.
JustsayNo#4
September 14, 2024 at 8:31 am
Amendment 4 places no restrictions on abortion. That is a fact. An abortion could be done in the 9th month if this amendment passes.
Additionally, “parental notification” means the parents will be notified, but a minor child does not have to have their *parental consent.* A notification can be mailed the day after the abortion is done.
Additionally, the amendment does not use the word doctor. So a medical doctor does not have to perform the abortion or give counsel; the amendment uses the word healthcare provider.
FL for Life.
JD
September 14, 2024 at 8:36 am
Let’s break down the inaccuracies in this statement about Florida Amendment 4. First, the claim that “Amendment 4 places no restrictions on abortion” is misleading. Amendment 4 is about ensuring a fundamental right to privacy, which includes reproductive rights. It does not automatically allow unrestricted access to abortions up to the ninth month. Current state and federal regulations, including viability restrictions and medical guidelines, would still apply. In reality, abortions in the third trimester are incredibly rare and are usually only performed when there are serious health risks to the mother or fetus.
As for the point about “parental notification,” the amendment focuses on privacy rights, which indeed protect minors seeking abortions. However, this doesn’t mean parents are left entirely in the dark. Current Florida law already requires parental consent for minors seeking an abortion, with some exceptions, such as cases of abuse, incest, or where it is not in the minor’s best interest. Notification is not just a casual after-the-fact letter; it’s a structured process intended to balance the rights and welfare of the minor with parental involvement.
Regarding the amendment not using the word “doctor,” it’s important to understand that “healthcare provider” is a broader term that includes licensed medical professionals such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants who are qualified to provide safe, legal abortions. This doesn’t mean that just anyone can perform an abortion. Medical procedures, including abortions, are still regulated by extensive medical standards and state licensing requirements.
Amendment 4 is not about removing all restrictions on abortion; it’s about protecting the right to privacy and ensuring that decisions about reproductive health remain between a patient and their healthcare provider, within the bounds of existing medical and legal frameworks.
Stop lying and 1/2 truths.
cassandra was right
September 14, 2024 at 3:15 pm
Your anti-woman HATE SPEECH is just as abhorrent as anti-Semitic speech! 9th month abortion is a forced-birther LIE. What women are you even talking about?
Stop spreading hate!
JustsayNo#4
September 14, 2024 at 9:47 am
If a minor has to have parental consent for a piercing of their ear or body in FL with a notarized consent from their parent (s) they should be informed about the upcoming death of their grandchild. Suppose this minor is being abused by an adult? Or Human sex trafficked etc.
Additionally, FL is in line with all the surrounding states in the SE which place limits on abortion, this is not an anomaly. They all have 5, or 6 weeks. The heart starts beating in the 4th week.
When a person is dying how do we detect if they are alive? Heartbeat.
All these states near us limit abortion in the 5th or 6th week: Alabama, GA, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, LA, Texas etc.
Were this amendment to pass FL would become the abortion destination state. Just say No. to 4
KD
September 14, 2024 at 10:27 am
So, a notarized form for an ear piercing means we should treat a pregnancy the same way? Great logic there. And sure, let’s force minors to inform their abusers or traffickers about a pregnancy—what could possibly go wrong? As for the heartbeat argument, it’s cardiac activity at four weeks, not an actual heartbeat. But why let medical facts get in the way, right? And the “abortion destination” scare tactic? Classic. It’s almost like some people think letting individuals make their own choices is the real danger here.
cassandra was right
September 14, 2024 at 3:49 pm
Minors can have a baby —even by caesarean— without parental consent or notification.
If a girl’s too young for earrings, she’s certainly too young for forced pregnancy!
THERE IS NO HEART AT 6 WEEKS!!!
The states you list consider a fertilized egg to be an actual child. That is a religious OPINION!
NO religious laws!
Separation of Church and State!
Vote YES on 4!
cassandra was right
September 14, 2024 at 3:55 pm
Alive? Brain waves.
Bible says BREATH of Life.
Comments are closed.