Florida's Extreme Abortion Amendment

An extremely grave amendment has been placed on the November 2024 ballot that seeks to erase pro-life protections by inserting language into the Florida Constitution prohibiting regulation of abortion. The amendment would allow abortions to 24-weeks gestation and beyond, including when science says the baby is capable of feeling pain, and would eliminate laws requiring parental consent and safety protocols for women. The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops is working diligently to oppose this dangerous and deceptive amendment and urges all Floridians to vote "NO" on Amendment 4. 

"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."

Language of the Proposed Amendment
Ballot Title: Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion
Ballot 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.

The following resources are available for parish use for sharing information about Amendment 4:

• Why Floridians Should Vote No on Amendment 4: Florida's Pro-Abortion Amendment Explained (English) | (Spanish)
• Frequently Asked Questions About Amendment 4 (English) | (Spanish)
• Pulpit Announcement (English)| (Spanish)
• Suggested Prayers of the Faithful (English)| (Spanish)
• Sunday Homily Prompts with Prayers of the Faithful 

The images linked below are available for posting on social media:

• Quote from Bishop's Statement on Amendment 4 
• Vote No on Amendment 4  
  
• What Would Amendment 4 Actually Do? (It is suggested to post these facts as a series, either with all five images in one post or one post per day for five consecutive days.)
  • Fact 1 of 5: Put Women at Risk
  • Fact 2 of 5: Allow Second and Third Trimester Abortions
  • Fact 3 of 5: Create a Broad "Health" Loophole
  • Fact 4 of 5: Weaken Medical Doctor Requirement
  • Fact 5 of 5: Eliminate Parental Consent

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 ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Our Lady, Mother of the Family, pray for us!  St. Joseph, protector of the unborn, pray for us!

For use in parish bulletins or on bulletin boards:

• Prayer Quarter Page (English) | (Spanish)  |  Half Page (English) | (Spanish)
• Quarter Page Image with QR Code (English) | (Spanish)
• 8.5" x 11" (English) | (Spanish)  |  11" x 17" (English) | (Spanish)   
  

• Archbishop Thomas Wenski, Archdiocese of Miami
  • What they don't tell you about Florida's Amendment 4
• Bishop Gerald Barbarito, Diocese of Palm Beach
• Bishop Frank Dewane, Diocese of Venice
• Bishop Gregory Parkes, Diocese of St. Petersburg
  • 4 Reasons to Vote No on Amendment 4 
  • Prayer to Defeat Amendment 4
  • Join Bishop Parkes in Praying for Life (with images and music)
• Bishop William Wack, Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee
• Bishop Erik Pohlmeier, Diocese of St. Augustine 
• Bishop John G. Noonan, Diocese of Orlando | (Spanish) 

• Catholics Across the Aisle Podcast with Sara Johnson, Statewide Grassroots Director, Vote No On 4 Florida  

• Bishop Dewane: Discussion on Amendment 4 - Dangerous Ballot Initiative  

• Archbishop Thomas Wenski, Archdiocese of Miami: Every human being matters: Vote 'no' on Amendment 4!
• Bishop Erik Pohlmeier, Diocese of St. Augustine: Choosing Life

A grassroots team has come together to stop this extreme abortion amendment. Vote No on 4 Florida, organized by the collaborative effort of pro-life leaders in the state, has put in place the structure necessary to run a statewide campaign.

Get involved with the larger grassroots campaign to defeat Amendment 4.

Find more information, sign-up for emails, or make a donation at Vote No on 4 Florida (English) | (Spanish).

Like, follow and share Vote No on 4 Florida on Facebook, Instagram, and X to keep up with efforts to stop this extreme amendment.