This week, Bishop Frank J. Dewane shares his thoughts about the dangerous Amendment 4 in a newly released video message to the faithful. This misleading and deceptive amendment would drastically expand access to abortion in Florida, and is dangerous for full-term babies, women, and girls. The full text of Bishop Dewane’s message is below, as are links to key resources to defeat Amendment 4. (Follow this link to watch the video: https://vimeo.com/1006710968?share=copy
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
News of Amendment 4, a dangerous pro-abortion amendment which will appear on the Florida ballot this fall, has no doubt reached you by now. The amendment is misleading in its language, and dangerous not only for full-term babies, but women, and girls. It is my hope that once you look into the facts of this proposed change to Florida’s state constitution, you will unequivocally vote “no” in November.
Keep in mind, if you will, that the word “no” is not always negative. In this case, it is not only a “positive,” it is positively crucial, and even lifesaving! Plan to do something positive by saying “yes” to life by voting “no” in November.
Why vote “no” on Amendment 4?
Titled “Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion,” this amendment would embed unregulated abortion in the state constitution, establishing an unlimited right to abortion throughout the pregnancy, making Florida one of the most pro-abortion states in the nation.
Amendment 4 would allow for second and third trimester abortions, a stark contrast to Florida’s current Heartbeat Protection Law which allows abortion up until a heartbeat can be detected, at about six weeks gestation. Although in a perfect world any abortion would be unthinkable, it is certainly preferable to have some limits on when it is legal.
This amendment allows for abortion for any reason, including consideration of the “patient’s health,” which is undefined in the amendment. Current Florida law includes an exception for when the pregnant woman’s life is in danger, among many other exceptions.
Further, Amendment 4 puts not only babies, but women and girls at risk. The amendment weakens the current medical doctor requirement, allowing “healthcare providers,” not just physicians, to determine if an abortion is necessary to protect the mother’s health. This is dangerous for women.
The Amendment also eliminates the currently required parental “consent” for a minor to have an abortion, preserving only parental “notification.” This is reckless, and destructive, for girls, and their families.
In short, Amendment 4 goes dangerously beyond even what was permitted in the Roe v. Wade ruling. It is extreme, and unnecessary. There is simply no need to expand what is an already expansive abortion law in Florida.
Some have said that the Church has no place in politics. It is true that the Church would never suggest you vote for a particular candidate. However, in this election year, it is critically important to remember that shaping the moral character of society is a responsibility of people of faith, and a basic part of the mission we have received from Jesus Christ. In this case, when confronted with such a clear threat to human life and dignity, the Church must not be silent and simply cannot remain on the sidelines.
Let us unite in prayer to defeat this expansive, pro-abortion amendment, and vote “no” on Amendment 4 in November.
I take this opportunity to extend to each of you assurances of my continued consideration as well as my prayers.
To view the video message, visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/respectlife/amendment4.
For more information about Amendment 4
Vote No on 4 – www.votenoon4florida.com
Florida Conference for Catholic Bishops – https://flaccb.org/abortion-amendment
Diocese of Venice Respect Life Office – https://dioceseofvenice.org/respectlife/amendment4
If you have any questions about Amendment 4, or to get involved in helping to defeat Amendment 4 contact Jeanne Berdeaux or berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-374-1068
Prayer to Defeat Florida’s Abortion Amendment
Ever-living God, you give life and desire a future for all your children. Take hold of our nation, state, and community and awaken in every heart awe for the gift of life. Send your Spirit to strengthen us with wisdom and fortitude as we defend mothers and children in Florida from laws that disregard their health and safety.
Mary and Joseph trusted in you and welcomed Jesus into our broken world. God Almighty, we ask their intercession to protect the preborn and their mothers, and to guide all parents in raising their children. May they help us build a civilization of love by upholding the sacredness of life and accompanying pregnant women in need. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Our Lady, Mother of the Family, pray for us!
St. Joseph, Protector of the Unborn, pray for us!
Oremos Para Derrotar la Enmienda del Aborto en Florida
Dios eterno: Tú das la vida y deseas un futuro para todos tus hijos. Apodérate de nuestra nación, estado y comunidad, y despierta en cada corazón la admiración por el regalo de la vida. Envía tu Espíritu para reforzarnos con sabiduría y fortaleza mientras defendemos a las madres y a los niños de Florida de las leyes que desprecian su salud y su seguridad.
María y José confiaron en ti y recibieron a Jesús en nuestro mundo quebrantado. Dios todopoderoso, pedimos que ellos intercedan para proteger a los niños por nacer y a sus madres, y dirigir a todos los padres y madres en la crianza de sus hijos. Que nos ayuden a construir la civilización del amor al defender el carácter sagrado de la vida y acompañar a las mujeres embarazadas que así lo necesiten. Te lo pedimos por Cristo, nuestro Señor. Amén.
Nuestra Señora, Madre de la Familia, ¡ruega por nosotros!
San José, Protector de los No Nacidos, ¡ruega por nosotros!
Courtesy of the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops
“The Church has not only a role here, but also a responsibility to its faithful to guide them in the teachings of the Church regarding the important issues of the day,” adds Bishop Dewane. “Every election presents an opportunity to have your voice heard. Make sure that you are voting in good conscience, and that you are doing so with the mind of Christ.”
