Florida ballot measure to expand abortion access fails, six-week ban stays in place

A Florida ballot proposal to allow abortion up to fetal viability has failed, as it did not meet the required 60 percent approval. This means the state's current law, banning most abortions after six weeks, remains in effect. The amendment faced strong opposition from Republican leaders, including Governor Ron DeSantis, who argued it would create a "radical abortion regime." The failure leaves abortion access limited in the South, where many states enforce similar restrictions. Florida's law includes exceptions for rape until 15 weeks and for certain medical conditions, but advocates say these exceptions are not effectively implemented. Concerns have been raised about the impact of the six-week ban on women's health and access to care.