An abortion bill headed to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’s desk is poised to become the strictest abortion ban in the state’s history.
Florida’s GOP-controlled Senate sent the bill, H.B. 5, to the governor on Thursday night in a 23-15 vote. DeSantis is expected to sign the measure that prohibits women from receiving an abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy, without exemptions in cases of rape or incest.
“We have a duty to protect life. This bill safeguards innocent, unborn children with beating hearts, who can move, taste, see, and feel pain,” said state Sen. Kelli Stargel, who introduced the legislation.
DESANTIS SAYS ‘BULLYING’ IS FORCING CHILDREN TO WEAR MASKS
The legislation, if signed, will go into effect on July 1 and provides an exception for “fatal fetal abnormality,” a condition where life outside the womb will result in death upon birth or soon after, if determined in writing by two physicians.
The bill also defines the term “gestation” as the first day of the last menstrual period rather than fertilization.
Florida Democrats argued that the measure was too restrictive.
“This bill contains bad math and pits women against the clock,” Florida Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book said.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
The bill is modeled after similar legislation enacted in Mississippi and Texas banning abortion after 15 weeks that is currently being reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court. If upheld, the legislation could overturn decades of abortion precedent.
Other states, including Arizona and West Virginia, are also considering restricting access to abortion after 15 weeks.
