Florida attorney challenges DeSantis administration over state-run anti-abortion website

While the agency contends the information presents facts, critics said the information is biased

By News Service of Florida on Wed, Sep 11, 2024 at 10:27 am

Photo by Matt Keller Lehman

The Yes on 4 rally and March at Lake Eola Park

A Palm Beach County attorney Tuesday filed a petition at the Florida Supreme Court alleging that state Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Jason Weida, Gov. Ron DeSantis and Attorney General Ashley Moody have improperly tried to interfere with a November referendum on abortion rights.

Adam Richardson, of Lake Worth, filed the petition amid a controversy about an Agency for Health Care Administration webpage and video public-service announcement about abortion issues.

While the agency contends the information presents facts, critics said the information is biased against a ballot measure that seeks to enshrine abortion rights in the state Constitution.

DeSantis and Moody oppose the proposed constitutional amendment, which will appear on the ballot as Amendment 4.

Richardson asked the Supreme Court to issue what is known as a writ of quo warranto to Weida, DeSantis and Moody “forbidding them from misusing or abusing their offices to interfere with the election for Amendment 4, and to unravel whatever actions they have already taken to do so.”

Florida Gov. DeSantis defends using state-run website to push anti-abortion information: Democratic leaders argue, in part, that the agency has violated a state law that bars government employees from using their offices or authority to try to influence elections

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