"We urge all Floridians of goodwill to stand against the legalization of late-term abortion and oppose the abortion amendment. In doing so, we will not only protect the weakest, most innocent, and defenseless of human life among us but also countless women throughout the state from the harms of abortion,"
said the bishops of Florida in their statement on Amendment 4.
Why Floridians Should Vote NO on Amendment 4
Amendment 4 would enshrine UNREGULATED ABORTION in our state constitution, making Florida one of the MOST PRO-ABORTION states in the nation. The amendment language is MISLEADING, and its proposed outcomes are DANGEROUS
• PUTS WOMEN AT RISK: Amendment 4 would jeopardize existing laws and prohibit new ones that voters on both sides of the abortion issue support, including health and safety laws that protect women.
• ALLOWS SECOND AND THIRD TRIMESTER ABORTIONS: Though not defined in the amendment, “viability” is defined in Florida law as the stage of development when the life of a fetus is sustainable outside the womb (Ch. 390.011(15)), generally accepted to be 22-24 weeks of pregnancy, or about 6 months.
• CREATES A BROAD “HEALTH” LOOPHOLE: “Patient’s health” is not defined in the amendment, allowing post-viability, extremely late-term abortions for treatable, temporary health concerns. Emotional health would justify an abortion when a child could survive outside the womb.
• WEAKENS MEDICAL DOCTOR REQUIREMENT: “Healthcare providers” – not just physicians – could determine if an abortion is “necessary” to protect the mother’s “health.” Even some employees of abortion clinics, such as nurses and counselors, could approve late-term abortions.
• ELIMINATES PARENTAL CONSENT: 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.
Prayer to Defeat Florida's Abortion Amendment
Ever living God, you give life and desire a future for all your children. Take hold of our nation, state, and community and awaken in every heart awe for the gift of life. Send your Spirit to strengthen us with wisdom and fortitude as we defend mothers and children in Florida from laws that disregard their health and safety.
Mary and Joseph trusted in you and welcomed Jesus into our broken world. God, Almighty, we ask their intercession to protect the preborn and their mothers, and to guide all parents in raising their children.
May they help us build a civilization of love by upholding the sacredness of life and accompanying pregnant women in need. we asked this through Christ our, Lord. Amen.
Our lady, mother of family, pray for us!
Saint Joseph protect her of the unborn, pray for us!