A recent survey by the KFF has found that 67% of Florida women of reproductive age support a nationwide right to abortion. This includes about half of the women who identify as Republican. The survey highlights that 60% of these women are concerned about their ability to access an abortion, even when it is medically necessary for their health or life.
The survey also indicates that one-third of respondents are unsure where to find abortion services or information if needed. The margin of error for this survey is 6%.
These findings are particularly relevant in the context of a proposed ballot initiative in Florida. Amendment 4 seeks to enshrine the right to an abortion in the state constitution, prohibiting state lawmakers from banning abortions before the fetus is viable, approximately 24 weeks into pregnancy. The amendment requires a 60% majority to pass.
Conducted in May and June, the KFF survey included 512 Florida women aged 18 to 49 as part of a broader national study on women’s health involving nearly 4,000 participants. The national survey revealed that nearly 20% of women of reproductive age have altered their contraceptive practices following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, including starting birth control, opting for sterilization, or using emergency contraceptive pills.
In addition to Florida, 11 states will have measures on the November ballot related to abortion access. Florida enacted a six-week abortion ban on May 1, with exceptions for rape, incest, and to preserve the mother’s life up to 15 weeks. State data shows a significant reduction in abortions since the law’s implementation.
Despite these restrictions, abortion medication remains legally available in Florida. However, the survey found that only 20% of women were aware of this option, and just 9% knew that it could be obtained online. This suggests a concerning level of misinformation regarding abortion access, according to Brittni Frederiksen, KFF’s associate director of women’s health policy.
Frederiksen emphasized the importance of understanding the perspectives of those most affected by abortion restrictions. “In states like Florida where access is severely limited, people may not feel there are many options,” she said.
Supporters of Amendment 4 argue that the survey results further demonstrate that a majority of women want continued access to abortion services. Natasha Sutherland, communications director for Floridians Protecting Freedom, which led the campaign for Amendment 4, criticized the current restrictions and asserted that decisions about abortion should be made between women and their doctors, not politicians.
Conversely, Mat Staver, founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel, criticized the amendment’s language, arguing it is too vague and could allow abortions up to term. This claim is disputed by supporters, who assert that the amendment limits restrictions to pre-viability and cases necessary to protect the patient’s health, as determined by healthcare providers.
