Florida’s Supreme Court made two important decisions regarding abortion. They allowed a law supported by Republicans, which prohibits abortions after six weeks, to move forward. At the same time, they approved a voter initiative to change the state constitution to guarantee the right to abortion.
The court upheld an existing law that bans abortions after 15 weeks, which could change how abortion rights and restrictions work in Florida.
Their decision means that Governor Ron DeSantis’ law from April 2023, which stops abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, can go ahead. This law has “trigger” wording, which means it starts one month after the court approved the earlier 15-week ban.
The ruling also rejected attempts by the Republican attorney general of Florida to stop a voter initiative that aims to make a right to abortion part of the state’s constitution. The court said that people have the right to decide on changes to the constitution.
Supporters of abortion rights see the upcoming vote as a chance to push back against strict policies.
Voter’s referendum on abortion rights set for November ballot in Florida (Via David Buffet/Getty Images)
Laura Goodhue, who leads the Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates, said voters could say no to “unfair abortion bans” once and for all.
These court decisions set the stage for an important vote on November 5, which happens at the same time as the presidential election. Democrats hope to use the abortion debate to get more people to vote, as it has been a big issue in past elections.
Conservative groups were upset by the court’s decisions but are still pushing for causes that support life.
These events show how the abortion debate is heating up in Florida and across the U.S. Legal fights and political campaigns are still changing how people’s rights to reproductive health work.
These decisions also show how important it is for people to get involved and vote to decide what happens with abortion laws in Florida.
