A coalition of anti-abortion groups on Monday launched a “Yes on 6” campaign to urge passage of a constitutional amendment that could pave the way for lawmakers to require parental consent before an abortion could be performed.
Passed by lawmakers in 2011, the proposed amendment would change the state constitution to exempt abortion from issues covered by its privacy protection.
Backers say the constitutional change is necessary to circumvent a 1989 Florida Supreme Court ruling that said the right of a teenage girl to have an abortion without her parents’ consent is protected by the state constitution’s right to privacy, something that isn’t specifically afforded by the U.S. Constitution.
The Citizens for Protecting Taxpayers and Parental Rights, a political action committee funded by the Florida Catholic Council, Florida Right to Life, Orlando-based Florida Family Action and the diocese of Venice said parents have a right to be involved in such a critical decision.
“We believe it is unfair to parents to both hold them responsible, by law, for the child’s health while removing their ability to consent to the decisions that risk the very life of their child,” said Randy Armstrong, a Tampa obstetrician.
Further, Amendment 6 would prohibit abortions from being performed at taxpayers’ expense unless the pregnancy was due to rape or incest or if the woman’s life was in danger.
“This is not a call to deny access to abortions for anyone, but simply to say that a private act should not be at public expense,” Armstrong said. “Taxpayers should not be forced to foot the bill for abortion in Florida.”
According to Agency for Health Care Administration figures, taxpayers in fiscal year 2009-10 paid $534.60 in Medicaid payments for four abortions.
Critics say the amendment would harm women.
“The Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates urges the public to vote no on Amendment 6 to protect women’s health and keep politicians out of private, medical decisions,” said Judith Selzer, vice president the Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates.