TALLAHASSEE, FL — Today, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida delivered a crucial victory for the countless Floridians who are fighting to reclaim their reproductive freedom. In granting a temporary restraining order, the court struck down the state’s egregious attempts to censor the Yes on 4 political ad, “Caroline,” which exposes the devastating consequences of Florida’s extreme abortion laws.
This ruling is more than a legal win—it’s a resounding defense of our fundamental rights. The court affirmed that the First Amendment protects the right to speak out against unjust laws, and that the State of Florida cannot wield its power to silence the voices of women who are bravely sharing their stories about reproductive healthcare. The state’s intimidation tactics — threatening criminal prosecution of television stations for airing the Yes on 4 campaign ad — were exposed for what they are: unconstitutional attempts to stifle political speech and hide the harms of Florida’s extreme ban.
For the women of Florida, this victory is a beacon of hope. It means that in the midst of relentless attacks on their bodily autonomy, their voices cannot be silenced. The ad the state tried to censor tells a real story, one that millions of women understand all too well: that under current law, women are being denied the right to make critical decisions about their bodies, even in life-threatening situations. Today’s ruling ensures that these stories can and will continue to be heard.
Bacardi Jackson, executive director of the ACLU of Florida, stated:
“This ruling is a powerful rejection of the State’s authoritarian overreach. Florida’s attempt to censor voices advocating for reproductive freedom was nothing short of an assault on women’s autonomy and democracy itself. The Court’s decision today reaffirms what we’ve been fighting for: the right to cast an informed ballot this November and take back our reproductive freedom. We will not be intimidated, we will not be silenced, and we will not rest until every Floridian’s right to reproductive freedom is secured.”
Michelle Morton, staff attorney of the ACLU of Florida, stated:
“Today’s ruling is a monumental step in defending the First Amendment and ensuring that Floridians, especially women, have the ability to speak out against harmful laws that impact our lives and bodies. The state’s attempt to silence a woman sharing how the current extreme abortion ban impacts cancer patients like herself was a direct attack on free speech, and we’re proud this order will ensure her story can be told without fear of prosecution. This victory is not just about an advertisement. It’s about safeguarding the rights of all Floridians to criticize harmful laws and push for change.”
The court order can be viewed here.
