The full Florida Senate is ready to vote on a statewide ban on abortion at six weeks after the legislation passed through the Fiscal Policy Committee this week.
This moves the Sunshine State one step closer to enshrining much more protection for the most vulnerable — unborn children.
SB 300 would adjust the state limit for abortions down from 15 weeks, which was passed by the legislature last year, to six. The bill features notable exceptions, including the life of the mother or a fatal fetal condition in a pregnancy prior to the third trimester.
Earlier in the session, Republican House Speaker Paul Renner declared, “Our ability to enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness began with life. We must defend the right to life for thousands of boys and girls who deserve to experience life, find love, and enrich the lives of others.”
The 15-week ban enacted in 2022 will go before the Florida Supreme Court. It agreed in January to hear the challenge brought by seven abortion clinics and a doctor to the new law.
Florida lawmakers advance bill protecting preborn humans from abortion after six weeks https://t.co/nIhq0RzJod
— G_Kraig (@g_kraig) March 21, 2023
The plaintiffs argued it violated the privacy clause in the Florida Constitution.
The latest legislation addressed loopholes that pro-abortion forces attempt to utilize to work around restrictions. For example, to argue the life of the mother is being saved requires two doctors certifying in writing that termination of the pregnancy is necessary.
It includes “irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function of the pregnant woman.” It does not extend the exception to a “psychological condition.”
Cases of conception through violence to minors must be forwarded to a state hotline, and “telehealth” is prohibited in performing abortions. Also, only doctors are allowed to conduct the procedures.
Proponents such as state Sen. Erin Grall, the bill’s sponsor, celebrated the dialogue about what the state stands for. The Republican asked if Floridians want to promote “a culture of life, where all life is important?”
Democrats, of course, lined up in opposition. State Sen. Geraldine Thompson charged that the GOP is stripping “free will” and “choice.” That, she declared, is what Florida’s pro-life movement is based on.
It was almost a year ago when Florida’s Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the 15-week abortion ban into law. The potential presidential candidate signaled that he will sign further anti-abortion legislation when it reaches his desk. As he declared, “We’re for pro-life.”