READ BETWEEN THE LIES OF AMENDMENT 4

Title: Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion

Summary: No law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient’s health, as determined by the patient’s healthcare provider. This amendment does not change the legislature’s constitutional authority to require notification to a parent or guardian before a minor has an abortion.

Amendment 4, one of the shortest amendments in history, might seem straightforward at first glance, but its ambiguous language could lead to significant and far-reaching consequences. Let’s expose the true implications and unravel the hidden meanings behind its words.

UNLIMITED ABORTION ACCESS

What the Amendment Says:

“Title: Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion.”

What It Means:

This amendment states it would limit government interference when it comes to abortion, meaning unlimited, unrestricted abortion access.

Impact:

It legalizes abortion up to birth, removes Florida’s 6-week ban, and allows unrestricted abortions. Most Floridians oppose late-term abortions, recognizing the potential ethical and scientific concerns regarding unborn children who can feel pain and survive outside the womb.

LACK OF SAFETY STANDARDS AND TAXPAYER FUNDING

What the Amendment Says:

“Summary: No law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion.”

What It Means:

This allows for unrestricted access to abortion services throughout all trimesters, even up to birth.

Impact:

Unlimited, unrestricted abortion attracts people from states with stricter laws. With abortion bans in surrounding states, Florida could potentially become an abortion hub. It enshrines the right to abortion through all stages of pregnancy, removing all safety regulations and protections for the unborn. This also means tax dollars could fund abortions, as unrestricted access could lead to increased demand for publicly funded abortion services.

UNDEFINED TERMS

What the Amendment Says:

“before viability or when necessary to protect the patient’s health.”

What It Means:

This language allows abortion providers to determine “viability” based on their personal judgment. The term “patient’s health” is also not defined, which means it could encompass a wide range of conditions, including mental health issues.

Impact:

Without a clear definition of “viability,” this opens the door for varied and subjective criteria to justify abortions. It permits providers to decide that abortions are “necessary” at any stage of pregnancy, potentially leading to an increase in late-term abortions. The lack of clear definitions for viability and patient’s health could result in inconsistent medical practices, putting women at risk of harmful procedures and undermining established medical standards.

NON-MEDICAL PERSONNEL MAKING CRITICAL DECISIONS

What the Amendment Says:

“as determined by the patient’s healthcare provider.”

What It Means:

By not clearly defining what constitutes a “healthcare provider,” this amendment allows individuals who are not doctors to make critical abortion decisions.

Impact:

This lack of specificity means that non-medical personnel, including employees of abortion clinics, could authorize abortions. According to Florida Statutes, “health care provider” includes a broad range of professionals such as chiropractors, optometrists, and physical therapists. Allowing unqualified individuals to make these decisions could put women at serious risk, as they may lack the necessary medical training and expertise. This is particularly alarming considering that people in other professions, like hairdressers and interior decorators, are subject to stricter regulations.

REMOVING PARENTAL CONSENT

What the Amendment Says:

“This amendment does not change the legislature’s constitutional authority to require notification to a parent or guardian before a minor has an abortion.”

What It Means:

This removes existing parental consent requirements, meaning parents will only be notified about their child’s abortion but will not need to give consent.

Impact:

It allows young girls to get abortions without their parents’ consent, potentially compromising their safety. Without parental involvement, minors may not receive the necessary support and guidance during such a critical medical procedure, posing significant risks to their health and well-being. This change would make abortion the only medical procedure in Florida that doesn’t require parental consent for minors.