Abortion

The ruling comes after Floridians Protecting Freedom, a political committee that led unsuccessful efforts to pass the abortion ballot measure, filed a notice that it was dropping its challenge against the state.

The panel investigates deaths of pregnant women. A member presumably released information about two such deaths and an agency investigation wasn't able to identify who disclosed the details.

Opponents filed the lawsuits last month in various parts of the state and sought to invalidate the failed abortion-rights ballot measure.

The narrow defeat of Amendment 4 means Florida's six-week abortion ban will remain in effect for the foreseeable future. Abortion funds say they need more money to help people travel out of state for care.

While large numbers of voters supported Amendment 4 in areas such as Broward, Duval, Hillsborough, Miami-Dade, Orange, Palm Beach and Pinellas counties, majorities opposed it in 40 counties.

While the proposal received 57% of the vote, it wasn't enough to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution and keeps Florida's six-week law in place.

The national races are expected to effect to the future of health care policy, but in Florida, the microscope and money have been on Amendments 3 and 4. The ends of the campaigns are finally here.

Doctors for and against Amendment 4 are pitching their arguments to voters until the final hours of the election, deepening a wedge in the medical community.

Florida’s six-week abortion law contains exceptions for women who experience complications like fetal abnormalities. But Thea Thompson says they aren't clear enough and put her health at risk.

At Masses across Florida, Catholic priests have taken time to try to convince parishioners to vote no on Amendment 4. Both sides of this debate are passionate about their cause and backing beliefs with cash.