FL: Pensacola group is part of a statewide effort to put abortion rights on 2024 ballot
The Florida Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments next week on the state’s ban on abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy — the outcome of which will affect a law passed this year barring abortions at six weeks of pregnancy.
Across the state, pro-choice activists have been working to collect petition signatures for a constitutional amendment that would put abortion rights on the 2024 ballot.
Locally, the Pensacola Abortion Rights Taskforce (PART) was formed in the aftermath of the leak of the Dobbs draft opinion, which questioned the constitutionality of Roe v. Wade. Last summer, the Supreme Court overturned the 1973 law.
After the Dobbs decision leaked out I was like, ‘Oh my goodness, I have got to do something,’” said Robin Blyn, one of the founders of PART. “I've been too quiet on this front for too long. And I was able to get in touch with other people. So we're going to celebrate our one-year anniversary in September when we had our first meeting.”
With only a few hundred dollars raised, PART is currently focused on education, whether it’s explaining the current state laws or connecting someone to resources they need. For instance, the Florida Access Network funds abortion procedures or medications, transportation, and travel accommodations for those in need. Since American Family Planning in Pensacola closed this year, the closest clinic that provides abortions in Florida is located in Tallahassee.
https://www.wuwf.org/local-news/2023-08-28/pensacola-group-is-part-of-a-statewide-effort-to-put-abortion-rights-on-2024-ballot