Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and his administration are vigorously opposing a ballot measure in November that would enshrine abortion rights in the state’s constitution and overturn a law he signed. State agencies have taken various actions against the measure, including launching a website, threatening TV stations, and investigating signature-gathering fraud. Critics argue that DeSantis is using government resources unethically and illegally. Supporters of the ballot measure see these actions as attempts to silence women and compromise the integrity of the process.
The measure, known as Amendment 4, would bar restrictions on abortion before fetal viability and include exceptions for the patient’s health. It would overturn the state’s six-week abortion ban signed by DeSantis last year. Various efforts by the state to undermine the measure, including a government website claiming it threatens women’s safety, have faced legal challenges.
DeSantis’ allies suggest that his anti-abortion stance is a way to differentiate himself from former President Donald Trump and bolster his conservative credentials. The ballot measure faces an uphill battle, needing 60% of voter support to pass, and public polling indicates it may fall short. Supporters believe interference from the state government only serves to make Floridians angrier and complicate the path to passing the measure.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com