Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s administration intensified its opposition to a ballot measure on abortion rights this past week, engaging in a legal dispute over the state’s actions to block a television ad supporting the measure.
The administration accused the pro-amendment group, Floridians Protecting Freedom, of “intentionally spreading false factual information” about Florida’s six-week abortion ban.
The conflict escalated after the committee filed a federal lawsuit against the Florida Department of Health. The lawsuit came in response to letters sent by the department to TV stations airing the ad, which the state described as a public “health nuisance.”
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The committee argued that these letters, signed by former Department of Health General Counsel John Wilson, violated the First Amendment.
In a court filing on Tuesday opposing the committee’s request for a preliminary injunction, lawyers representing Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo argued that the ad contained “objectively false factual information.” They pointed out that the state’s six-week abortion law includes exceptions when a pregnant woman’s life is at risk.
The legal dispute took another turn when Wilson, who had signed the letters to the TV stations, resigned from his position as general counsel on October 10.
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According to an affidavit he filed on Monday, Wilson stated that he had not authored the letters dated October 3 but was “directed” to send them by DeSantis’ General Counsel, Ryan Newman, and Deputy General Counsel Jed Doty. Wilson said he resigned rather than continue sending further letters to media outlets as directed.
Meanwhile, supporters of the proposed constitutional amendment held a news conference on Tuesday, featuring doctors who expressed concerns about the six-week abortion restriction.
They argued that the law has created uncertainty for obstetricians and gynecologists, who must consult with lawyers and ethics panels before providing emergency care to pregnant women.
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