WASHINGTON — A proposed amendment aimed at safeguarding abortion rights within Florida’s constitution was defeated on Tuesday, as it failed to garner the required 60% of votes for approval. This decision marks Florida as the first state to reject such a protective measure following the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022.

The initiative sought to bar state lawmakers from implementing any restrictions or bans on abortions prior to fetal viability, as well as in cases where the procedure was necessary for the health of the patient. Advocates for the amendment had hoped to dismantle Florida’s existing ban on abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.

With the defeat of this amendment, Florida joins a growing list of states where voters have declined to support legal protections for abortion rights since the landmark Supreme Court ruling last year. It has become evident that the dynamics around reproductive rights in the state continue to evolve, following significant legal changes at the national level.

The outcome was confirmed by various media outlets shortly after polls closed, with announcements of the amendment’s rejection coming at approximately 9:06 p.m. EST.