Florida’s House of Representatives passed a bill banning abortion after 15 weeks on its 37th day in session.
Next, the state Senate will review the bill. If they pass the measure Monday, it will go to Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has previously signaled his support. Afterward, the bill would go into effect July 1.
Representatives in the state voted for the ban late Wednesday night while the Supreme Court considers whether similar limits in other states are constitutional. The representatives voted 78-39, almost entirely along party lines. One Democrat and one Republican voted against their parties.
Today, Florida chose life with the passage of HB 5. Thank you Chair @ErinGrall for leading us in recognizing the inherent value of each unique individual & for protecting Florida’s children before and after birth. pic.twitter.com/5eqWYUj75P
— FL House Republicans (@FLGOPMajority) February 17, 2022
This bill does not make an exception for rape or incest. In cases where the mother has an “irreversible physical impairment,” or if the fetus has a fatal abnormality, exceptions will be made. Currently, Floridians can obtain abortions until 24 weeks of pregnancy.
OHIO MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO THREATENING TO BOMB ABORTION CLINIC
Pro-abortion rights protesters could be heard in the video of the hearing as they chanted, “My body, my choice,” while Judiciary Committee Chairwoman Erin Grall announced the results of the vote. Grall is not running for reelection — therefore, this was her last session in the House.
House Speaker Chris Sprowls defended the limit in a press conference just after midnight. “All of you agree session is a long time, it’s 60 days. Add another month, that’s three months. That is the individual life that we are trying to protect in this bill,” Sprowls said.
“If someone’s going to argue that 15 weeks is too soon, then when is it appropriate to protect a life?” he said.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Oral arguments on the constitutionality of Missouri’s 15-week abortion ban were heard in December, and the case, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, is under review by the Supreme Court. A decision is expected to be made this summer. Meanwhile, Arizona’s Senate and West Virginia’s House passed similar bans Tuesday.
