Florida’s proposed six-week abortion bill has made headlines around the state and around the nation, as the legislation recently made its way to the Senate floor to be discussed and amended.
Different representatives from all different parts of the state gave their analysis of this highly contested issue. Currently, the bill offers some, but not total exceptions in instances such as rape, incest, and danger to the life of the mother.
As of right now, the law of the land in the Sunshine State is a 15-week ban which was passed in April of 2022.
The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka (R), informed the assembly of the tens of thousands of abortions that were performed in the state of Florida in 2022.
“82,192 babies who (were aborted) were never given the opportunity to live, to grow up, and to find their purpose in our world,” she stated.
Rep. Ashley Gantt (D) stated that “we should not be legislating anyone’s body, our bodily sovereignty, especially when we tout freedom in the state of Florida.”
Rep. Ralph Massullo (R) said, “We’ve heard a lot about people that respect life and want to respect their rights. But we need to respect the rights of the unborn just as much.”
Rep. Lindsay Michelle Cross (D) mentioned, “My heart goes out to the women that will face incredible health challenges from this ban. Women that could die because they are no longer able to get an abortion until they are practically at death’s door.” She would go on to plead with the women of the state of Florida, asking them to “fix our mistakes” in the future.
“You are strong, you are powerful, and please be the generation to fix our mistakes.”
Co-sponsor of the bill, Rep. Jennifer Canady (R) said that “We want women, particularly women in difficult situations to have every resource that they need in order to have a real choice and that’s what this funding does.”
The bill has now made its way to the House floor and will be expected to make its way to the Governor’s desk.
