Collier County Commission Unanimously Votes 5-0 Against Deceptive Amendment 4
Naples, FL — The Collier County Board of County Commissioners has taken a decisive stand against Amendment 4, a measure proposed for the upcoming fall ballot. In a unanimous 5-0 vote, the Commission approved a resolution that strongly urges citizens to vote NO on Amendment 4, citing its harmful and deceptive nature. Click here to read the resolution.
The resolution was discussed and passed during a well-attended meeting held at the Collier Board of County Commission chambers on June 11. The meeting drew a significant number of community members who were eager to witness and support the Commission’s stance on this critical issue.
Amendment 4 Language:
No law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient’s health, as determined by the patient’s healthcare provider. This amendment does not change the Legislature’s constitutional authority to require notification to a parent or guardian before a minor has an abortion.
Commissioners expressed grave concerns about the implications of Amendment 4, arguing that it introduces potential risks and ambiguities that could have far-reaching consequences for our community and state. They emphasized the amendment’s potential to bypass important legislative checks and balances, possibly endangering both patient care and broader societal values.
Key Points of the Resolution with regards to Amendment 4:
- Will allow access to abortion up until the point of birth. The amendment is based on viability but can be very subjective. It also creates a carveout for up to birth if a patient’s healthcare provider deems it necessary.
- Allow individuals other than a doctor to perform an abortion or grant access to abortion up until birth. According to Florida law, some healthcare providers are athletic trainers, massage therapists, and pharmacy owners.
- Will remove parental consent for minors from the law. The amendment says they must notify a parent; however, under law, notification and consent are different.
- Will remove any ability for the state to regulate safe medical standards in regards to abortion.
The unanimous vote by the Collier County Commission demonstrates a strong, united stance in protecting community values and public health. This resolution is an urgent call to action for Collier County citizens to critically evaluate and reject Amendment 4.
Commissioner Hall stated, “I believe that Amendment 4 is vague, deceptive, and overbroad. As there is already a legislative process, representing the people of Florida and established by our Florida legislators which protects life, it is necessary to educate voters who may not fully understand the extreme impact of Amendment 4.”
The Commission urges all residents to educate themselves on the nuances of Amendment 4 and participate in the upcoming election to ensure that deceptive and potentially harmful measures do not find a place in Florida’s Constitution.
