TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A webpage launched by a Florida state agency criticizing a proposed abortion rights amendment is now facing blowback and legal challenges.
The page titled “Florida is Protecting Life” was launched by the Florida Agency of Health Care Administration (AHCA) earlier this month. Secretary Jason Weida posted on X its meant “to combat the lies and disinformation surrounding Florida’s abortion laws.”
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It comes as voters are set to weigh in on Amendment 4 in November, which would enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution, prohibiting laws preventing abortions up until viability. If 60% of voters approve, the amendment would repeal the state’s existing ban on most abortions after six weeks.
The site lists Florida’s existing abortion laws and regulations, at the same time declaring Amendment 4 “threatens women’s safety.” Democrats and supporters of the amendment have bashed the webpage, calling it illegal political propaganda.
"The Government is illegally using state powers and state resources to spread lies and propaganda. This should shock the conscience of every Floridan,” wrote Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried.
While speaking this week, Governor Ron DeSantis defended the webpage, likening it to a public service announcement.
“I think that telling the truth matters. I think our agencies need to be rooted in that. And I think that's exactly what it is. There's not a single thing that they're pointing out that is inaccurate,” said Gov. DeSantis, who has criticized and organized funding against the proposal.
The governor is listed among other state officials including Weida and Attorney General Ashley Moody in a lawsuit now being fast-tracked by the Florida Supreme Court. The suit filed by a South Florida Attorney said the website represents a misuse of office to interfere with the election.
Floridians Protecting Freedom, the sponsor of Amendment 4, said their motives are clear.
“It's about ending Florida's extreme abortion ban. The scare tactic lies about our language, are nothing more than noise,” said Lauren Brenzel, the campaign’s organizer.
“Ending this ban isn't a partisan issue. It's a healthcare issue. Yet the government is trying every dirty trick they can to distract Floridians from these facts,” Brenzel added.
Meantime, the ACLU of Florida said they are also preparing to file a lawsuit, alleging a misuse of taxpayer funds.
“At the ACLU, we are deeply committed to exploring every legal remedy available to ensure Floridians have the ability to vote informed, and that includes a lawsuit surrounding a state sponsored Political advertisement disguised as a website,” ACLU Senior Communications Strategist Keisha Mulfort said.