Florida judge stops health official from blocking abortion rights TV ad
Federal court extended ban on Florida health dept interference with pro-choice TV commercials. State official tried to stop ad about medical abortion case‚ claiming it had wrong info about states health-care rules
A federal judge in Florida blocked the states health dept from interfering with pro-choice TV ads (which is part of next months ballot measure campaign). Judge Mark Walker made clear his position about protecting free-speech rights
The case started when Joseph Ladapo‚ states surgeon general sent threatening letters to TV channels earlier this month telling them to stop an ad about abortion rights; he said they might face criminal charges
The disputed ad shows Caroline Williams who got terminal brain cancer diagnosis bout 2 years ago — she couldnt get cancer treatment while pregnant due to Floridaʼs strict 6-week abortion limits. Her story became central to the legal fight between pro-choice groups and state officials
The states lawyer Brian Barnes thinks the ad is wrong and dangerous:
We see this case as being controlled by the same legal principles that would apply for the 911 hypothetical
But pro-choice groups lawyer Ben Stafford defended the ad saying its a real story that needs public attention. The judge agreed with this view saying:
To keep it simple for the State of Florida: its the First Amendment stupid
The ballot measure needs 60% votes to pass and would allow abortions till fetal viability (around 20 weeks). Meanwhile Ron DeSantis administration uses tax money for:
- Public rallies against the amendment
- TV ads opposing abortion rights
- Campaign-style events with doctors
- Messages against marijuana legalization
The new court order stays active through election day next month‚ unless theres earlier ruling
