### Judge Halts Florida's Efforts to Penalize TV Stations Over Pro-Abortion Rights Ad

A federal judge has blocked the Florida Department of Health from taking legal action against local television stations that aired a pro-abortion rights advertisement, as reported by WJXT in Jacksonville. Chief U.S. District Judge Mark E. Walker of the Northern District of Florida sharply criticized the state's actions, describing them as "viewpoint discrimination."

The controversy began with a 30-second advertisement produced by the advocacy group Floridians Protecting Freedom, promoting Amendment 4. The ad featured Caroline, a brain cancer survivor, who shared a powerful personal story: "If I did not end my pregnancy, I would lose my baby, lose my life and my daughter would lose her mom."

The Florida health department, however, condemned the ad, labeling its claims as "false" and "dangerous" to public health. This prompted the department's general counsel to dispatch cease-and-desist letters to the television stations that broadcasted the commercial.

In response, Floridians Protecting Freedom filed a lawsuit, seeking judicial intervention to prevent the state from suing the broadcasters. Chief Judge Walker granted a restraining order, effectively prohibiting the Surgeon General from pursuing penalties against the TV stations.

Highlighting the constitutional issue at stake, Judge Walker wrote, "To keep it simple for the state of Florida: It's the First Amendment, stupid," affirming the broadcasters' rights to air the ad. He concluded there was a "substantial likelihood of proving an ongoing violation of its First Amendment rights through the threatened direct penalization of its political speech."

The ruling is a significant win for the media outlets and Floridians Protecting Freedom, ensuring that the ad can continue to reach audiences without fear of state retribution.