As Floridians prepare to vote on Amendment 4 this November, it’s crucial to understand what’s really at stake. This change is not just about abortion; A sweeping measure that would take away parental rights and put the health and safety of women and underage girls at serious risk. If Amendment 4 passes, Florida would become one of the most extreme pro-abortion states in the country; It will become a destination for unsupervised, unsafe abortions, little oversight and fewer protections for women and girls.

In just 39 short words, Amendment 4 would do three things: Legalize unrestricted abortion up to the point of birth, eliminate the requirement for parental consent when minors seek abortions, and eliminate basic safety regulations for abortion providers. While some applaud its brevity, this is not the kind of lawmaking that protects our most vulnerable citizens.

The main issue to consider in this amendment is the attack on parental rights. Today, Florida law recognizes the critical role parents must play in their children’s health decisions. If a minor wants to have an abortion, their parents must already give consent; This is appropriate protection to ensure that a life-changing decision such as an abortion is not made alone or under pressure. But Amendment 4 would replace this requirement with a much weaker provision: parents would not be consulted, only informed. Picture this: Your 14-year-old daughter could be taken to an abortion clinic by a complete stranger, and once you’re notified you have no legal power to intervene.

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These concerns are not just theoretical, they are actually a dangerous reality. By removing parental consent, we are essentially taking away families’ right to guide their daughters through one of the most difficult and important choices of their lives. Parental involvement is not just a formality; It is a necessary protection for young girls who may be facing pressure from peers, sexual partners, and even people who may be in trafficking situations.

Amendment 4 ignores these facts and undermines the critical role of parents in protecting their children.

An equally worrying point to consider is the potential consequences for the overall health and safety of all women. Florida law currently requires abortions to be performed only by licensed physicians and provides a basic standard of medical care. The vague language in Amendment 4 banning any “restrictions” on abortion would eliminate this common sense requirement and allow nearly anyone to perform an abortion without any licensing, training, or supervision. This would potentially open the door to unqualified people managing dangerous procedures and putting women’s lives at risk.

Surprisingly, Amendment 4 also eliminates the requirement for an ultrasound before an abortion. Without ultrasound, how can one accurately determine what stage of pregnancy their patient is at, or even confirm whether a woman is truly pregnant? The answer is chilling: Under this change, women will be left to rely on abortion providers who have a financial incentive to perform the procedure. It’s not healthcare that this change promotes; This is negligence, plain and simple.

Supporters of Amendment 4 argue that it is about protecting women’s rights. But the reality is that this change will jeopardize women’s safety by eliminating measures that protect women’s health. Abortions performed by unlicensed persons, without proper medical supervision or clarity about how long the pregnancy will last are reminiscent of the backstreet abortions of the past. We have to move forward, not go backwards, when it comes to protecting women’s health.

And let’s not forget what this change would allow in practice: late-term abortions up to the moment of birth. The State of Florida already allows abortion in cases of rape, incest, maternal health and serious fetal abnormalities. Amendment 4 is not about addressing rare or difficult situations; It is about removing all limits on abortion on demand. By allowing late-term abortions without restrictions, we open the door to horrific procedures, including fragmental abortions on fully viable unborn children.

No matter what position you take on abortion, whether you’re pro-life, pro-abortion, or somewhere in between, this change goes a long way. This is an attack on parental rights, an attack on the safety of underage girls, and a step toward dangerous, unregulated medical practices.

It’s time to protect our daughters, protect women’s health, and defend parents’ rights to participate in the most critical decisions affecting their children. Floridians must understand what is at stake and vote “No” on Amendment 4.