A Lakewood Ranch mixer hosted by mostly conservative women encourages a yes vote on a proposal that could undo Florida’s six-week abortion ban.


In a gated community in Lakewood Ranch, a few dozen people mingle in a large living room, sipping wine and noshing on shrimp cocktail, when one of their hosts, Carol Whitmore, a former Republican Manatee County commissioner and one of the founders of Conservative Women for Freedom, invites them to take a seat.

"Hey everybody can you hear me? We're going to start. Come on in, we’re going to have a chat."

This mixer is to encourage guests to speak openly about why they support Amendment 4, which would undo Florida's six-week abortion ban.

"We may not agree with the Democratic platform, but we do agree on this issue," Whitmore said to the group.

The women and a couple of men listen as Dr. Marion Pandiscio, an obstetrician, talks about ectopic pregnancies and other pregnancy complications that cause harm.

The League of Women Voters offer tips on how to talk with friends and family about the amendment. Like countering arguments about how its passage would increase late term abortions.