Florida Voters Fail to Enshrine Abortion Rights in State Constitution

Amendment 2 Defeated After Failing to Reach 60% Threshold

Florida voters have rejected a proposed constitutional amendment that would have enshrined abortion rights in the state constitution. Amendment 2, which was on the ballot in the midterm elections on November 8, 2022, needed 60% of the vote to pass. However, it fell short, receiving only 59.6% of the vote, according to unofficial results from the Florida Division of Elections.

Implications of the Vote

The defeat of Amendment 2 is a significant setback for abortion rights advocates in Florida. It means that the state's current abortion laws, which ban the procedure after 15 weeks of pregnancy, will remain in effect.

Abortion rights groups had hoped that Amendment 2 would provide a firewall against future restrictions on abortion in Florida. However, the amendment's failure to pass suggests that there is still strong opposition to abortion rights in the state.

What's Next?

The defeat of Amendment 2 is likely to reignite the debate over abortion rights in Florida. Abortion rights advocates are expected to continue to push for legislation to protect abortion access in the state.

Anti-abortion groups, on the other hand, are likely to continue to push for further restrictions on abortion. They may also challenge the state's current abortion laws in court.

National Implications

The defeat of Amendment 2 is also being seen as a national setback for abortion rights. It comes at a time when abortion rights are under attack in many states across the country.

The Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in June 2022 has given states the power to regulate abortion. As a result, many states have passed laws restricting or banning abortion.

The defeat of Amendment 2 is a sign that the fight for abortion rights is far from over. Abortion rights advocates will need to continue to mobilize and organize to protect abortion access in Florida and across the country.