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Voters appear to be divided on Amendment 4, the ballot measure in Florida that could enshrine abortion into the state constitution, according to several polls conducted in recent weeks.
The text of the proposed measure would establish that “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.” Opponents warn that the proposal allows for all abortion in Florida since “viability” and “health” would be left to the discretion of the “healthcare provider.”
Polls indicate that voters in Florida are divided over Amendment 4, which would require 60% of votes in order to amend the state constitution, and that many voters still remain undecided.
One survey conducted by NextGen Polling and Life First found that 54% of voters support the initiative, while 26% oppose the measure and 20% remain undecided. Another survey from Public Policy Polling meanwhile indicates that 61% support the measure, with 25% opposed and 14% still undecided. Both surveys were conducted in Florida at the end of August.
Florida Atlantic University and Mainstreet Research found in early August that some 56% support the measure, while 21% are opposed and 23% do not yet know how they will vote. Another survey from the University of North Florida, which was conducted in late July, found that 69% of residents support the measure, while 23% of residents oppose the measure.
The most recent surveys occurred days before former President Donald Trump officially revealed that he would vote against Amendment 4, a move which came shortly after remarks that seemed to indicate he would instead cast a ballot in favor of the measure.
Trump has been criticized by some conservatives this year for his remarks asking states to make their own laws on abortion and his opposition to federal policies that would protect preborn babies. His stances have been enshrined into the platform of the Republican Party.
Republican lawmakers from Florida have meanwhile voiced their opposition to Amendment 4. Many of the lawmakers at first hesitated to make statements against the measure as many candidates increasingly believe that taking stances against abortion would be politically costly.
