MIAMI, FL – Today, the majority of Floridians voted for Amendment 4 to end the state’s abortion ban, but the total fell short of the extraordinary 60% threshold required to amend the Florida Constitution. Despite today’s results, the ACLU of Florida remains steadfast in our commitment to overturn the state’s extreme and unpopular abortion ban, and ensure Floridians can access abortion care without government interference.
Since Roe v. Wade was overturned and the Florida Legislature and Governor enacted extreme abortion bans endangering women’s health, Florida women have suffered the severe consequences of being denied the healthcare they need — even when faced with emergency pregnancy complications. For those not able to make the costly trip out of state to get abortion care, they’re forced to carry to term against their will while grappling with all of the burdens and risks associated with pregnancy.
Bacardi Jackson, Executive Director of the ACLU of Florida, issued the following statement:
“Despite unprecedented opposition from Governor DeSantis and his allies, who sought to confuse and divide voters and prevent them from even being able to vote on the amendment at all, this movement has sparked a powerful, unbreakable unity that transcends today’s result. The movement for reproductive freedom in Florida is stronger than ever. This election is but one chapter in our journey to safeguard the rights, dignity, and futures of every person in our state.
“Floridians have spoken, and the majority of them do not want the government interfering with their reproductive freedom or private medical decisions. The state has engaged in a campaign of intimidation, censorship, misinformation, and voter suppression, in its efforts to undermine the will of the people. Florida’s extreme abortion ban is dangerous and inhumane.
“57% of Floridians voted in favor of ending government interference with abortion - a clear mandate to end Florida’s extremely cruel ban. We call on the Florida legislature and Governor Ron DeSantis to respond to the will of Floridians, repeal the state’s extreme abortion ban, and restore full access to abortion care. “We will not give up or stand down. The lives of women and girls across Florida depend on us continuing this work. Together, we have built something stronger than any single moment. We are powerful, and we will keep fighting until every person in Florida has the right to control their own body, their own health, and their own future. This is not the end—it is the beginning of a new chapter in our movement. We will honor the courage and hard work of the many advocates and supporters who ran this race with us and continue, undeterred, until these rights are restored.”
Michelle Morton, Staff Attorney of the ACLU of Florida, said:
“The fact that a majority of Floridians backed Amendment 4 sends an undeniable message: we refuse to let our rights be trampled. Floridians across this state have demanded the freedom to make their own decisions about their bodies, and we won’t let political roadblocks silence that call. We stand firmly with every person who has been impacted by Florida’s oppressive abortion bans. Our fight is far from over, and we’re more determined than ever to break down these barriers until every Floridian can exercise their fundamental rights with dignity and without government interference.”
Sara Latshaw, Chair of Floridians Protecting Freedom, said:
“This outcome may not be what we fought for, but it’s only fueled our resolve. Floridians showed up in force to defend reproductive freedom, and we’re just getting started. The strength of this movement is unbreakable, and we won’t rest until every obstacle to justice and autonomy is removed. Today was a setback, but tomorrow is another step forward. We’re ready to keep fighting, stronger and more united, until every Floridian has the right to control their own body and their own future.”
