Florida holds a referendum on abortion in November

Could the abortion referendum in Florida on November 5 have an impact on the outcome of the presidential election in that state? The following question arises decisions It was issued this Monday by the Sunshine State Supreme Court. Initially, the court approved a law prohibiting abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The ruling, which overturns decades of precedent on privacy rights in Florida, paves the way for a stricter law banning abortion in the state after six weeks of pregnancy starting May 1.

However, in a second step, the Florida Supreme Court has given the green light to a referendum that will propose to the state's voters in November that the right to abortion be enshrined in the Florida Constitution until the fetus remains alive, that is, between the 22nd day. The twenty-fifth week of pregnancy. A 60% majority of voters would be necessary to achieve this constitutional change.

He added, “This step could give a boost to the Democrats at the polls in a state that was witnessing intense competition in the presidential elections.” analysis Associated Press. “While many voters are not enthusiastic about another clash between former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden, it may encourage more abortion rights advocates to vote. Mr. Trump won Florida four years ago. »

The law banning abortion after six weeks of pregnancy will take effect May 1, 30 days after the Florida Supreme Court decided to uphold the law banning abortion after 15 weeks. Remember, Donald Trump called Ron DeSantis' tougher law “terrible,” which applies at a time during pregnancy when many women don't yet know they are pregnant.

Florida was one of twelve US states trying to hold referendums on abortion in November. A nonpartisan coalition has collected more than 1.5 million signatures to make it happen.

After May 1, Virginia will become the only southern state that allows abortion after the first three months of pregnancy.

(AFP Photo/Getty Images)