TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida voters did not approve a ballot amendment that would substantially increase abortion access in the state Tuesday.
Currently, Florida outlaws abortion after six weeks of a pregnancy. If this amendment were to have passed, it would have protected access to abortion up to “viability.”
Viability was not defined in the amendment, though most doctors suggested it would be the 23-24 week mark.
This amendment would have put Florida’s abortion policy back in line with federal protections that used to exist under the Roe v. Wade ruling.
Supporters believed the Florida legislature went too far with its six-week abortion ban, and that the government should not be involved with these decisions.
Opponents argued the amendment is misleading, too vague and the life of the fetus should be protected.