Florida abortion rights ballot initiative falls short of approval threshold
A Florida ballot initiative to protect abortion rights has failed to meet the required 60% approval threshold, with 57% of voters in favor. This marks the first abortion-related initiative to fail since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.
Currently, Florida has a six-week abortion ban in place, allowing exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother. The initiative aimed to amend the state constitution to prevent restrictions on abortion before viability.
In contrast, a similar measure in Maryland is projected to pass, establishing a right to reproductive freedom. Maryland already allows abortions until viability, with some exceptions afterward.