A closely watched proposal to restore abortion rights in Florida appears on track for defeat, marking a significant blow to efforts aimed at expanding local protections for the procedure.
The ballot initiative sought to allow abortions until fetal viability, approximately 24 weeks, but required 60% support to pass.
With 95% of votes counted, the amendment was projected to garner only 57% approval, according to Reuters.
This initiative was part of a broader election where voters in ten states considered abortion rights measures, following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling two years ago that eliminated the national right to abortion. This ruling has led many states to enact bans or impose severe restrictions on the procedure.
Advocates promoted the amendment as a means to overturn a law enacted earlier this year that banned abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, with limited exceptions.
However, it faced vigorous opposition from Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, who mobilized state resources to encourage voters to reject the measure.
First-time voter Betsy Linkhorst expressed her dismay, stating she felt “heartbroken, scared, and frankly, worried for the future.”
She emphasized the importance of protecting women’s rights and the ability to make decisions about their bodies.
Conversely, Maria McNally, who voted against the amendment, believed it allowed abortions too late in pregnancy.
Mary Ziegler, a law professor at UC Davis, cautioned against overinterpreting the significance of the Florida results, noting the high threshold required for passage.
In contrast, Maryland voters approved a measure to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution, and New York adopted an amendment to prevent discrimination based on reproductive health.
As the dust settles from the election, abortion rights activists may face limited opportunities to use state referendums to protect abortion rights in the future.
