(TAMPA, FL) As the November 2024 election nears, Florida voters must grasp the weight of Amendment 4. Voters should not be deceived by its dangerously misleading title—The Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion. This amendment has far-reaching consequences that could jeopardize the health, safety, and rights of Florida residents.

Voting NO on Amendment 4 is about ensuring that women’s health is safeguarded, parental rights are respected, and that medical procedures are regulated and safe. Here are five critical reasons both pro-choice and pro-life voters agree about voting NO on Amendment 4.

Five Critical Issues with Amendment 4

1. Jeopardizes Women’s Safety
Amendment 4 says, “No law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion.” Not only will this wording allow full-term abortions, but it would jeopardize new and existing critical safety laws and regulations that currently protect the women who are getting abortions. It would also prohibit new laws from being passed.

2. Undefined “Viability”
The term “viability” is not clearly defined within the amendment, creating the possibility of allowing abortions up to the moment of birth. This legal ambiguity could result in practices far beyond what many believe is reasonable or safe.

3. Vague Health Criteria
The amendment’s language states that abortion decisions would be determined by the patient’s health but fails to clearly define what constitutes “health.” This vagueness could allow factors like emotional state or financial conditions to justify late-term abortions without any objective medical standards.

4. Broad Definition of “Healthcare Provider”
Amendment 4 allows for a broad interpretation of who qualifies as a healthcare provider. This means non-medical personnel at abortion clinics could make critical decisions, potentially compromising the safety and quality of care that patients receive.

5. Parental Consent Removed
Amendment 4 undermines parental involvement in a minor’s medical decision. While preserving parental notification in our state constitution (Article X, Section 22), the amendment would invalidate the current law that requires parental consent for a minor to have an abortion (Ch. 390.01114(5)), making abortion the only medical decision for which parents have no say.

Voting NO on Amendment 4 is a vote for clear, responsible laws that prioritize the health and safety of individuals while maintaining high standards for medical care. It also protects parental rights by ensuring that parents have a say in their minor children’s medical decisions. We urge Floridians to stand against this extreme and misleading amendment.

For more information on Amendment 4 and access to additional articles and a free social media toolkit to help spread the word, visit The Life Alliance website. You can also download our VOTE NO on 4 Toolkit to share with your community and help spread the word.

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The Life Alliance is a coalition of nonprofit, church, civic, and business leaders from the greater Tampa Bay area who amplify our collective voice and influence to advocate effectively for policies that uphold the sanctity of life. We believe every human life has profound value and dignity, and we are proud to unite leaders who are committed to the pro-life cause. Our mission is to foster collaboration, understanding, and action to support life at every stage. For free resources, visit thelifealliance.com.