Florida abortion ballot measure financial impact statement blasted by proponents

A Florida panel approved a financial impact statement for an abortion ballot measure the state will vote on in November, but supporters of the amendment are crying foul over the state-approved text.

The financial impact statement is written by the Financial Impact Estimating Conference to tell voters the impact an amendment would have on state revenue and the state budget. The statement for Amendment 4 warns voters of "significantly more abortions and fewer live births per year" if the measure passes in November.

If passed by a 60% margin on Nov. 5, Amendment 4 would prevent the state from creating legislation that would “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 of the measure argue the ballot measure is intentionally vague in its wording and could open the door for little to no restrictions on abortion.

The financial impact statement warns the measure may invalidate "laws requiring parental consent before minors undergo abortions and those ensuring only licensed physicians perform abortions" if passed, in addition to uncertainty over whether the state would have to subsidize abortions.

Another financial concern highlighted in the statement is possible litigation over the vagueness of the measure that may "result in additional costs to the state government and state courts that will negatively impact the state budget."

Proponents of Amendment 4 have accused the state of attempting to cause confusion — something opponents of the measure have accused backers of the amendment of doing with its language.

"They’re trying to cause confusion and hide the real issue: Amendment 4 is about ending Florida’s extreme abortion ban which outlaws abortion before many women even realize they are pregnant,” Lauren Brenzel, campaign director for Yes on 4, said in a statement.

“Our campaign worked hard to ensure that the language of our initiative met constitutional standards and the State should meet those same standards for clarity and accuracy so voters are not misled. Any financial impact statement should be lawfully accurate, unambiguous, straightforward, clear, and transparent," Brenzel added. "This sham of a process is a reminder to Florida voters that politicians are playing dirty tricks to overcomplicate and politicize a simple administrative fix."

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In Florida, abortion is outlawed after six weeks, with exceptions for rape, incest, human trafficking, and the health of the mother.

While some polls indicate the measure may have more than the required 60% needed to pass, the figure is still a daunting threshold to pass in the Sunshine State.