Gov. DeSantis signs bill limiting abortions in Florida after 15 weeks of pregnancy
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (WPEC) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a controversial bill limiting abortion during a rally at the Nacion de Fe church in Kissimmee, Thursday morning.
RELATED: Judge signs off on abortion waiting period
RELATED: DeSantis poised to sign abortion limit
He was joined by legislative leaders and pro-life advocates.
The bill is called Reducing Fetal and Infant Mortality and it will mean almost no abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The bill was presented to DeSantis earlier Thursday and it will go into effect on July 1.
SEE ALSO: Behind the scenes: Dog in park shot in face, 10-day investigation that led to arrest
Rape and incest would not be exceptions.
The only exceptions would be "the pregnant woman’s life or to prevent a serious risk of substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function, which must be certified in writing by two physicians, or by one physician in the case of an emergency if a second physician is not available."
Speakers discussed prayer and religious themes, such as there not being any unplanned pregnancies since God has a plan for everything.
U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel put out a statement saying, “Today is a dark day for Florida. The personal decision about whether and when to bring a child into this world should be made by the pregnant individual, not their governor, local representative, or Member of Congress. I am deeply concerned about the consequences this extreme abortion ban will have on pregnant people across our state, especially low-income individuals and underserved communities. Abortion care shouldn’t be determined by your income level or zip code. We must continue to fight for reproductive justice in Florida and nationwide.”
State Sen. Lauren Book wrote, "With the stroke of a pen, Governor DeSantis has forced the women of Florida back 50 years by robbing them of the reproductive rights established by our nation’s highest court in Roe vs. Wade. Florida Republicans claim we are the “Free State of Florida” – yet there is no freedom when women are denied access to critical healthcare and the ability to make decisions about their own bodies and their own lives. This abortion ban has total disregard for victims of rape, incest, and human trafficking who may need more time to physically and psychologically heal, arrive at a decision, and receive care. Sentencing victims of rape, incest, and trafficking to carry an unwanted pregnancy resulting from their assault is cruel and unusual punishment which does nothing except bludgeon the rights and well-being of women. This is not a “moderate” or fair bill if a woman or girl must live with the consequence of someone else’s actions, revictimized by the decisions of Florida’s right-wing GOP. Without access to safe and legal procedures, a woman’s life and her liberty are severely endangered. This is nothing more than an authoritarian move by Florida Republicans. Florida will never be free while lawmakers turn a blind eye to women’s rights, victims’ rights, and to the decent and basic needs of our citizens."
