ORLANDO, Fla. — Pro-life advocates fighting to keep Florida's abortion laws gathered in Orlando to watch the results come in.
WPTV reporter Zitlali Solache was in Orlando at the Rosen Plaza Hotel speaking to those who were against Amendment 4.
John Stempberger, President of Liberty Counsel Action, said he and many others feel relieved the amendment did not pass, keeping Florida's six-week abortion ban in place.
He and others call it a victory knowing Amendment 4 did not pass.
"It's an amazing victory and really what the substance of this is, is that Florida is rejecting an extreme abortion policy," Stemberger said. "This amendment would have basically allowed unregulated abortion in almost every category."
Nearly 100 pro-life advocates will gather at the Rosen Plaza Hotel — to watch the results on Amendment 4 come in real-time. The Amendment needs a support of 60% to pass. pic.twitter.com/BhOIJ9dwVD
— Zitlali Solache (@zitlalisolache) November 5, 2024
However, Stemberger and many pro-life Floridians had concerns about the amendment's language. They said terms like "viability" and "health care provider" are too vague and call the language deceptive. They also worried about the amendment's financial impacts on taxpayers.
"It doesn't matter whether you're pro-choice or pro-life, it's a bad amendment," Stemberger said. "It does not represent the mainstream of want Floridians want with abortion law, and so that's why it's going to be defeated tonight at the polls."
OBGYN Dr. Tamberly McCarus is also letting her voice be heard on the proposed amendment.
“It just throws all safety standards out the window," McCarus said. "It allows our state to be one of those states where you can have your baby aborted at any time, any place, anywhere, for any reason.”
The amendment needed 60% of voters to say "yes" for abortion protections to be enshrined in the state Constitution, but received 57.1%.
