Support for Amendment 4 Abortion Bill Appears to Plummet

Amendment 4, which would certify the right to abortion in Florida, is the one of the most talked about amendments heading into November 5th. The amendment has received the backing of Florida Democrats, and though it seemed like a sure thing given the support it had, its trajectory has taken a turn. A new poll indicates that support for Amendment 4 continues to plummet, and it might not receive the 60% necessary to pass on November 5th.

A new poll conducted by NextGen Polling and Life First PC, taken between August 23rd and 26th, polled 1,664 likely voters. From those polled, 54.3% support the initiative, 25.8% oppose it, and 19.9% were undecided.

When it comes to party affiliation, 29.1% of Republicans back the amendment, 42.7% oppose it, and 28.2% are undecided. In contrast, 80% of Democrats support the amendment, 9.5% oppose it, and 10.5% are undecided. Finally, 56.7% of Independents support the amendment, 22.8% oppose it, and 20.4% are undecided.

After "message testing," the poll uncovered that the amendment only has 47.5% of support.

Critics of the bill have highlighted that the amendment is "deceptive," noting that it could allow abortion to be provided "beyond those licensed to perform" the abortion, "potentially compromising the safety and well-being of women."

Critics also warn that the amendment could force abortions to become taxpayer funded and that the amendment could also allow abortions up to birth.

"Message testing" containing both of these warnings also yielded high numbers of opposition in those polled.

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody (R), Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis (R), and Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson (R) have each pledged $100,000 to oppose the bill, and Commissioner Simpson has just announced that he is raising his pledge to $200,000.

On social media, responding to Governor Ron DeSantis' (R) pledge, the commissioner announced his new pledge, adding that "Amendment 4 takes away parental consent for minors AND allows partial birth AND tax payer funded abortions."