Temple Terrace church, Harris camp differ over abortion access

TEMPLE TERRACE, Fla. (WFLA) — As the general election approaches, the debate over abortion access heats up.

The Harris campaign made a stop Wednesday in Hillsborough County with surrogates who are against Florida’s six-week abortion ban.

Campaign Surrogate Amanda Zurawski was in Temple Terrace to speak about her personal experiences in Texas.

“My cervix dilated prematurely and there was no way to safely reverse the course,” Zurawski said. “Ending the pregnancy would’ve been considered an illegal abortion and my doctor would be at risk of a loss of her license and even jail time.”

Kailyn Joshua is also a surrogate with the Harris campaign.

“I was losing so much blood, the security guard actually put me in the wheelchair,” Joshua said.

During a news conference, Joshua said Louisiana’s abortion ban kept her from getting treatment during a miscarriage.

“Ultimately, it took me weeks to pass my pregnancy at home. I was terrified,” Joshua said.

Also this week, the Diocese of St. Petersburg said even though it’s nonpartisan, it can speak about certain issues. One of them is Amendment 4, which it wants to see fail.

Teresa Peterson is a spokesperson for the Catholic Church.

“The Catholic Church is nonpartisan,” Peterson said. “We do take a stand on the issues and we view the issues in light of the gospel.”

Amendment 4 in Florida could reverse the state’s restrictive abortion ban and penalties against doctors. Dr. Ana Verdeja questioned who is considered a “health care provider” that’s written in ballot text.

“Amendment 4 allows abortion on demand for any reason, at any time, and done by any health care provider,” Verdeja said.

Verdeja is against abortion altogether, but felt Florida’s current law is enough.

“We already have laws to offer exceptions to abortions for rape and incest,” Verdeja said.

The church group also said the wording of the amendment is dangerous and deceptive. Retired OB-GYN Bruce Shephard with the Harris camp said the text on the ballot is fine.

“It’s not that difficult. It’s in English. If you want to discuss when life begins, fine. But I want to have my right to have my relationship with my God, and my doctor, and my life. If I’m a woman, I want to have that right to make that decision,” Shephard said.

Amendment 4 is on the November ballot. Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has been openly against Amendment 4 , is scheduled to speak on the issue in Tampa Thursday night at Jesuit High School.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.