Florida threatens news stations over ad in favor of abortion rights measure

On October 9, 2024, FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel didn’t hold back in her criticism of the Florida Department of Health for sending cease-and-desist letters to local news stations. These letters target an advertisement featuring a woman named Caroline from Tampa, who bravely shares her harrowing experience of dealing with a life-threatening pregnancy complication due to a brain cancer diagnosis, within the context of Florida’s restrictive abortion laws.

In her ad, Caroline shares, “The doctors knew if I did not end my pregnancy, I would lose my baby, I would lose my life, and my daughter would lose her mom. Florida has now banned abortion even in cases like mine.” Her powerful message urges viewers to vote “yes” on a proposed ballot measure designed to protect and expand abortion rights in the state—a response to the stringent six-week abortion ban that was enacted in May.

John Wilson, general counsel for the Florida Department of Health, has criticized Caroline’s statements as “categorically false,” insisting that women can still obtain life-saving abortions in Florida. He labeled the ad as “not only false; it is dangerous,” stressing that women confronted with serious medical complications have the right to receive necessary care in the state.

However, many medical professionals nationwide are raising alarms about the vagueness of these laws, suggesting that they often force doctors to postpone critical medical actions until a woman’s health declines to a perilous level.

In light of the backlash, Rosenworcel argued that the cease-and-desist letters undermine free speech. “The right of broadcasters to speak freely is rooted in the First Amendment. Threats against broadcast stations for airing content that contradicts government views are dangerous and compromise the fundamental principle of free speech,” she asserted.

Caroline’s story reflects a wider trend, as numerous women have come forward to recount their experiences of being denied medically necessary abortions in Florida. Notable cases, such as a woman with an ectopic pregnancy who was turned away from an emergency room, underline the serious ramifications of the state’s restrictive laws.

Civil rights advocates have also expressed concerns about what they see as an “intimidation campaign” led by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and his administration to sabotage the ballot measure. There are reports that law enforcement is investigating voters who supported this initiative, and a state agency has even launched a website aimed at discrediting it.

Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, several states have successfully passed abortion-related ballot measures. Florida’s proposal, however, requires a 60% approval rate to pass, and recent polls indicate that support is currently falling short of this benchmark. Notably, voters in nine other states will also confront abortion-related measures in the upcoming November elections.