A Message from the Florida Baptist Convention

Dear Florida Baptist Pastor,

There are two crucial Florida Constitutional Amendment initiatives that will be on the November ballot. One is related to legalizing the use of recreational marijuana. The other proposed amendment (Amendment 4) essentially legalizes abortion up to birth. It will be vital for our family of churches to speak out on these issues leading up to the election.

Relating to Amendment 4, the State Board of Missions adopted the following statement on behalf of Florida Baptists.

“Florida Baptists are aggrieved at the heart-wrenching loss of human life that occurs through abortion. We are further distraught at the drastic death toll that will be incurred if Floridians pass the proposed constitutional amendment (Amendment 4) titled “Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion.” Florida Baptists implore our fellow citizens to stand against this ballot initiative and to protect the pre-born children who will face needless death if the proposed amendment passes.”

Below you will find more information and links to resources provided by the Florida Baptist Convention and One More Child to help educate your church on this important issue.

  1. Four Reasons to VOTE “NO” on Amendment 4:Amendment 4 is deceptive and extreme. Claiming to restore Roe v. Wade, the amendment allows abortion throughout all nine months of pregnancy, repealing all existing Florida laws and safety measures regulating abortion.
  2. Amendment 4 eliminates parental consent. This initiative removes the requirement for parental consent, which would permit underage, vulnerable girls to undergo this life-altering procedure without parental guidance to help them in this critical time.
  3. Amendment 4 gives broad authority to approve abortions. With this amendment, any “health care provider,” not just physicians, could approve abortions, including late-term procedures, without ensuring medical necessity. Under Florida law, “health care providers” are not limited to physicians and could include employees who work in the health care setting.
  4. Amendment 4 allows for late-term abortions. There are no protections for the unborn child with this proposed amendment, allowing for abortion right up to the moment of birth, including cases where the baby can feel pain.