Florida’s abortion rights debate is heating up as the 2024 US presidential elections unfold. Kamala Harris has secured 194 electoral college votes, while Donald Trump leads with 265 electoral college votes. Harris has garnered 47.2%, while Trump has won 51.2%. The rest of the results are still pending.
In Florida, a ballot initiative to restore abortion protections, known as Amendment 4, failed to pass, falling short of the required 60% support. The initiative aimed to allow abortion until fetal viability or approximately 24 weeks, overriding the strict law enacted earlier this year that banned abortion after the sixth week of pregnancy. Republican Governor Ron DeSantis opposed the amendment, using state resources to persuade voters to vote “no”.
Despite the setback in Florida, six states – Arizona, New York, Maryland, Nevada, Missouri, and Colorado – have approved measures to protect or expand abortion rights. In Arizona, over 60% of voters backed an amendment protecting the right to abortion until fetal viability. Missouri is on track to overturn its current ban.
Other states, such as South Dakota and Nebraska, still have pending abortion-related ballot initiatives. Most initiatives aim to allow abortion until fetal viability or when the pregnant woman’s health is at risk. Maryland, Colorado, and Nevada have enshrined abortion rights in their constitutions, with Colorado expanding access to government health insurance plans.
As the election unfolds, abortion rights remain a critical issue. The outcome will significantly impact the future reproductive rights in America. With few remaining untried opportunities for stake voter referendums, the stakes are high. Florida’s abortion rights debate will continue to shape the nation’s trajectory.
