Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, alongside a group of doctors, held a press conference urging voters to reject Amendment 4, a measure on the upcoming ballot that addresses abortion rights.
If approved by 60% of voters, the amendment would restore abortion protections similar to those under Roe v. Wade in Florida.
Amendment 4 proposes to add a constitutional right to abortion up until fetal viability, typically considered around 20 weeks into pregnancy, and allow later abortions if necessary to protect the life or health of the mother.
READ: Six Constitutional Amendments On Florida’s November 5 Ballot: What You Need To Know
This would overturn a current law that bans abortions after six weeks, a point at which many women are unaware they are pregnant.
During the conference, DeSantis argued that out-of-state groups back the amendment and does not clearly disclose its full implications. He warned that it could remove parental consent requirements for minors, permit non-physicians to perform abortions, and lead to taxpayer funding for abortion services.
Several doctors supported these concerns, including Dr. Christina Pena, an OB-GYN who described herself as “pro-life” and claimed that medical care for women would not be restricted if the amendment is defeated.
“The concerns being claimed that women’s lives are at risk if this amendment does not pass is a lie. In the 20 years that I have been practicing obstetrics and gynecology, I have never once been limited in providing proper medical care for my patients,” said Pena.
READ: Florida Sen. Rick Scott Pushes For Action On Debt Crisis And Inflation, Intros Insurance Relief Bill
The debate over Amendment 4 comes amid a national conversation on abortion rights, with abortion-related measures on state ballots across the
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