JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Dozens of Jacksonville activists marched through downtown Jacksonville Saturday calling for voters to head to the polls in November and cast their ballot for a amendment that could reverse Florida's ban on abortions after six weeks.
Florida’s six-week ban on abortions is set to go into effect in May 1. The bill will prohibit doctors from performing abortions after six weeks of pregnancy — with exceptions only in cases of rape, incest or human trafficking up to 15 weeks of pregnancy.
A proposed amendment, known as Amendment Four, could reverse the six-week ban. The amendment, sponsored by Floridians Protecting Freedom, would block Florida from prohibiting abortion until the point of viability — when the fetus is viable outside the womb. This is usually around 24 weeks of pregnancy.
If voters pass this amendment in November, the right to an abortion will be enshrined in the Florida constitution; 60% of voters must vote yes for the amendment to pass.
Women's March Florida Jacksonville Chapter held a rally at the Duval County Court House to inform voters about the amendment.
“We’re here to one let people know that is happening this November and that in order to protect abortion access in Florida we need to vote yes on that," Sierra McCahon, organizer with the Women's March Florida Jacksonville Chapter, said.
However, supporters of the abortion ban say it is saving the lives of unborn children. Florida Voice for the Unborn founder believes changing the states constitution through amendment 4 is a step to far.
"I think Florida voters are going to recognize how radical and extreme this initiative is," Andrew Shirvell, found of Florida Voice for the Unborn said. "It would effectively prohibit our state legislation from enacting any regulation of abortion whatsoever."
Election day is Nov. 5.