Florida Student Newspaper Sparks Backlash for Declining Abortion Ad Despite Outdated Law
MIAMI – In a controversial move, the student newspaper at the University of Florida, known as The Independent Florida Alligator, has faced criticism for refusing to publish an advertisement for mail-order abortion pills. The general manager justified the rejection by citing an old law dating back to 1868, which prohibits the promotion of abortion-inducing drugs through advertisements. However, this law was nullified by the Florida Supreme Court back in 1972, making the newspaper’s decision to reject the ad puzzling.
The Independent Florida Alligator has a storied history when it comes to challenging outdated laws. Over 50 years ago, students successfully fought against the ban on abortion-related advertising and editorial content implemented by the same law. The law, known as F.S. 797.02, was invalidated by the Florida Supreme Court after a 21-year-old editor of the student paper faced charges under the statute for publishing a list of abortion providers. Ultimately, the court dismissed the case, declared the law invalid, and the student paper severed ties with the university following administrative attempts to stifle their challenge.
Despite this rich history, the newspaper faced a backlash for refusing to run an ad about abortion services. Critics argue that recent laws imposed by Governor Ron DeSantis infringe upon free speech and limit discussions on certain topics within college campuses. While the law itself was never officially repealed, it lay dormant and forgotten after the court’s ruling. However, it resurfaced recently during the Florida Supreme Court’s consideration of a case that will determine the legality of abortions after six weeks of pregnancy in the state.
Just ahead of these abortion hearings, Mayday Health, a nonprofit organization focusing on reproductive health education, attempted to place an ad in The Independent Florida Alligator. The ad, which stated Abortion pills. Through the mail. Even at UF, included a QR code linking to the organization’s website providing information on birth control, morning-after pills, and abortion.
Upon learning of the rejection, Jennifer Lincoln, the president of Mayday Health, criticized the decision as a free speech crisis and took to social media to voice her protest.
The newspaper’s refusal to run the ad has reignited a debate over the limits imposed on discussions surrounding abortion services and reproductive health on college campuses. Critics argue that these new laws infringe upon the constitutional right to free speech and hinder the dissemination of vital information to students.
As the abortion hearings loom, the outcome of the case will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for reproductive rights in Florida. The Independent Florida Alligator’s decision to reject the abortion ad, citing an antiquated law that was previously struck down, has brought to the forefront the need to reevaluate and update legislation surrounding reproductive health and free speech.
