OPINION 52 September 2024 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida edition Amendment 4, an extremely grave abortion initiative will appear on the Florida ballot November 5. Many are totally unaware of how deceptive and deadly this initiative really is. It would allow abortion until birth. It would eliminate all pro-life laws that currently protect women and children. And it would allow a minor to have an abortion without parental consent. Currently, Florida law requires abortionists to give women seeking an abortion detailed information regarding the development of the unborn baby and the potential risks and complications of the procedure. An ultrasound must be performed, giving a mother the option of seeing her preborn baby. The law also requires a 24-hour waiting period, which gives a woman time to contemplate what she is about to do. Amendment 4 would nullify all these requirements and much more. Abortion through nine months The amendment language states that no law can “prohibit, penalize, delay or restrict abortion until viability.” Viability is generally at 24 weeks gestation. But the amendment goes a grave step further, adding “or when necessary to protect the patient’s health.” Because “health” is not defined, this allows abortion for any reason and until birth. And the woman’s “healthcare provider”—who does not need to be a doctor—has sole authority to determine what health conditions make abortion necessary. God’s Word proclaims the amazing gift of life. We are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:13-16). We are created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26). We are called to speak for those who can’t speak for themselves (Proverbs 31:8). Life is precious and worthy of our protection. Abortion hurts women and takes the life of an unborn child. If you visit the Silent No More website, there are thousands of individuals who have suffered great trauma from their abortion experience. It’s heartbreaking when you read what so many have gone through. I know abortion firsthand I understand their pain. I was pressured into having an abortion when I was 18. Someone told me that having a child would be too much of a burden. It was all about me and my future. There was nothing said about the unborn child growing inside of me. Or the intrinsic value of that life. Personal circumstances shouldn’t determine whether a baby lives or dies. It was years later when I found out the truth about abortion. The reality of the unborn child that I had lost created deep grief within me and put me on a painful road. But by God’s grace and unconditional love, I know that I am forgiven. He brought me into ministry through my loss. He created purpose out of the pain. Pastors must speak out Pastors must educate their congregation on Amendment 4, so the body of Christ understands what is at stake. It truly is a matter of life and death. There is no middle ground here. And don’t believe that Christians won’t vote for this amendment. Issue 1, a radical abortion amendment similar to Amendment 4, was on the Ohio ballot last November. Sadly, 24% of Evangelical Christians voted for Amendment 1, which passed, legalizing abortion on demand through all nine months of pregnancy. Please don’t let that happen in Florida. We live in a pro-life state. But it won’t be that way if Amendment 4 passes in November. Women would travel to Florida for their abortions. In 2024, there were 84,052 abortions in Florida. That number would only go higher. This is not a “political” issue; it is a moral and Biblical issue. Abortion until birth is evil. God would never want us to support killing another human being. So, on November 5, make sure you and all those you know, turn out to vote NO on Amendment 4. Pray that the truth of Amendment 4 would spread across our state, and that pastors would be willing to step up and speak out on the issue. Act now This is about preserving life, upholding parental rights and ensuring that Florida remains a state where women and their unborn babies are protected. Vote NO on amendment 4. To find out how you can make a difference go to LCAction.org/FLAmendment or VoteNoon4Florida.com. Tewannah Aman is Executive Director of Broward County Right to Life. She is available to speak on Amendment 4 and why Christians must vote NO. You can contact her at: [email protected]. Vote No on Amendment 4 By Tewannah Aman Executive Director, Broward Right to Life
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