What I Saw in Florida While Fighting Abortion
In October of 2024, I had the honor to join 17 other young men with TFP Student Action to fight against the radical pro-abortion Amendment 4 in Florida.
Although I grew up in Florida, the public response to the pro-life campaign surprised me.
Abortion Amendment Depends on Deception
The wording of Amendment 4 is ambiguous and deceptive. If it passes, it will remove almost every restriction against abortion in the Sunshine State.
So far, the TFP caravan has been to Miami, Kendell, Coral Gables, Plantation, Sunrise, Naples, Sarasota, and Tampa. I have seen many “Vote no on 4” signs and billboards along the way.
I only saw one pro-abortion billboard in Miami. However, on several campaigns, pro-life activists and college students told us how hard they are working to stop Amendment 4. One pro-life student and his colleagues knocked on more than 9,000 doors to encourage people to oppose the pro-abortion amendment.
Florida is a battleground for the right to life.
“No Way… They’re Here!”
On October 23, we visited the University of South Florida (USF) to give out fliers against the amendment. The flier breaks down the deceitful language of Amendment 4.
Our banner reads, “Abortion is a sin: vote no on 4.”
I was surprised to see two other pro-life groups spreading awareness on campus. After unfurling the TFP standard and banner, half a dozen pro-lifers approached with joy.
“I turned the corner,” explained one student, “and saw this and I said, ‘no way, they’re here!’” The secretary for Students for Life at USF joined the effort and helped in several debates. Many students expressed gratitude, saying:
- “You are doing God’s work.”
- “The world needs more people like you.”
- “Can I give you a hug? I watch your videos!”
Narrow Escape from Abortion
Two students told us about their narrow escapes from abortion. One explained how doctors said she was not going to live and suggested that her mother choose life. Her mother refused. She lived and is very happy she wasn’t aborted.
The other student, from China, was almost aborted because of the communist one-child policy. However, her parents put her up for adoption, and she is alive and well.
Pro-Abortion but Voting “No”
Amendment 4 is too radical for some pro-abortionists. I spoke with a student who said, “I am very pro-abortion but I am voting no on 4. It is very radical and very vague. For example, it says a healthcare provider can decide if a woman can get an abortion. What is a healthcare provider? It’s not defined.”
I explained how the abortion mentality leads to the destruction of the sanctity of human life. After a fruitful debate, he admitted he was worried about the radical abortion agenda. Reactions like his are not uncommon. Several pro-abortion students said they would be voting “no” on Amendment 4.
Pro-Abortion Death Threat
My colleague Kevin Roman was debating a young man when I saw a woman approach and spit at him, hitting the sign he was holding.
But earlier in the day, a pro-abortion driver expressed a dark desire.
Pro-abort: “There are too many of you. I would shoot you in the head!”
TFP volunteer: “That’s a messed up mentality. We defend the right to life, and you don’t care about life.”
Pro-abort: “That’s right. I’m going to shoot you in the head right between the eyes.”
Unfortunately, others who follow the culture of death said similar things, such as:
- “You should have been aborted: go kill yourself.”
- “Sometimes I am fine with murder.”
- “I already worship Satan.”
I am glad these types of nasty responses were in the minority.
“Florida is Pro-Life!”
After visiting the university, we held “honk campaigns” at busy intersections with bold signs asking drivers to honk against abortion.
Sometimes the honks are so loud that you get a headache. But it’s worth it, and people shout kind words of encouragement. “I will pray for you on your travels,” said one. “Florida is pro-life!” cried another.
Pro-Life Enthusiasm is Strong
From city to city, I saw steady pro-life enthusiasm. Yet, the abortion side does not appear to have the same level of commitment or dedication. The side of God is motivated, while the abortion camp is demoralized.
We talked to pro-abortion supporters who want to get off the extremist abortion train and plan to vote “no” on the Amendment. They sense Amendment 4 is taking society off a dangerous cliff.
May God inspire more souls to fight the good fight for moral values in Florida and defeat Amendment 4 with a resounding “no.”
(Paid political advertisement paid for by the American TFP, 1358 Jefferson Rd., Spring Grove, PA 17362)