**Former Florida Health Lawyer Alleges DeSantis Administration Intimidated TV Stations Over Abortion Rights Ads**

In a developing controversy, the administration of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis faces allegations of pressuring television stations to stop airing ads that support abortion rights. These allegations come from John Wilson, former General Counsel for the Florida Department of Health, who abruptly resigned last week after issuing cease and desist letters to various TV stations broadcasting ads in favor of Amendment 4. This ballot measure seeks to enshrine the right to abortion care before fetal viability in the state's constitution, countering Florida’s stringent six-week abortion ban.

In a resignation letter obtained by the Miami Herald, Wilson stated, "A man is nothing without his conscience. It has become clear in recent days that I cannot join you on the road that lies before the agency." However, Wilson didn't stop at resignation; he provided an affidavit unsealed on Monday detailing that the directive to issue the cease and desist letters originated from DeSantis' office.

According to Wilson’s affidavit, "I did not draft the letters or participate in any discussions about the letters prior to October 3, 2024. Ryan Newman, General Counsel for the Executive Office of the Governor, and Jed Doty, Deputy General Counsel for the Executive Office of the Governor, directed me to send them under my name and on behalf of the Florida Department of Health." Wilson further added, "I resigned from my position as General Counsel in lieu of complying with directives from Newman and Doty to send out further correspondence to the media outlets, similar to the October 3, 2024 letters."

As this situation unfolds, it becomes clear that the DeSantis administration has been actively campaigning against Amendment 4 ahead of Election Day. Beyond issuing cease and desist letters, the state government added a "financial impact statement" to the ballot measure, suggesting that increased abortion access could negatively impact state and local revenues. Additionally, the administration has harassed individuals involved in the signature campaign to get the amendment on the ballot and launched a website attacking the measure as a threat to women's safety.

Wilson’s affidavit surfaced in relation to a lawsuit brought by Floridians Protecting Freedom against State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo and Wilson himself. This pro-reproductive rights group has been instrumental in pushing ads in support of Amendment 4. Last week, U.S. District Judge Mark Walker ruled in favor of the group, blocking the state's attempts to remove these ads from TV broadcasts. "To keep it simple for the State of Florida: it's the First Amendment, stupid," Walker wrote in his decision.

The allegations and ongoing legal battles highlight the contentious atmosphere surrounding abortion rights in Florida, with upcoming elections poised to be a critical juncture for both sides of the debate.