Statement from Charo Valero, Florida State Manager, and Lupe M. Rodríguez, Executive Director, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice on Florida Supreme Court Ballot Measure Decision

“We are outraged by the Florida Supreme Court’s decision to allow this abortion ban to take effect, decimating care for Floridians and many, many others in the South. In 30 days, there will be a near-total ban on abortion in the state. This ruling puts politics over the health and well-being of people who need care, their families, and their communities. Abortion bans do nothing to protect anyone’s health or safety, and we know that the impact will fall hardest on Latinas/xs and other communities of color.

“Thankfully, the Court allowed Amendment 4, the ballot measure to amend Florida’s constitution to protect abortion access, to be on the ballot. Voters will get to decide this November whether we can make our own decisions about our health, including abortion care. We know that Floridians support access to abortion and strongly oppose the extreme politicians who want to interfere with our bodily autonomy and personal health care decisions.

“We will not stand by as anti-abortion politicians and judges push their extreme political agenda and take away our freedoms. At the Latina Institute, we will continue to fight for reproductive justice and build power in Latino/x communities in Florida and across the country so that everyone has access to the healthcare they need – including abortion. We are proud to be part of the statewide campaign to amend Florida’s constitution, and we look forward to talking with voters, especially Spanish-speaking voters, to make sure they’re informed about this effort and can make their voices heard.”