Democrats Will Protest 6 Week Abortion Ban

Florida legislators have voted to enact a ban on abortions after 6 weeks of pregnancy, and it was signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R). However, Democrats are now preparing to protest the 6 week abortion ban as Republicans await the signing.

In a 70 to 40 vote this week, the ban passed. Some Republicans voted with Democrats, but the measure, SB 300, passed.

In response to the passing of the bill, Democrats have begun to mobilize in order to protest the ban.

Florida Rep. Anna V. Eskamani (D), a detractor of the bill, released a statement, chiding the legislation and the Republicans that supported it.

"Florida Republicans just passed the most extreme abortion ban in Florida history," Eskamani said, calling the vote "an incredibly sad and painful day for our state." However, she maintained that Democrats "will not stop, or be deterred in the fight for reproductive justice and personal freedom."

"The decision to decide when or when not to parent should remain between that person, their family, their doctor and their faith - not politicians," Eskamani added.

Eskamani further commented that as the state navigates "the implementation of this near total ban we will do everything we can to ensure access to abortion via other states and will hold politicians accountable for this deeply unpopular bill and that includes Governor Ron DeSantis when he signs this into law."

To push back against the passing of the bill, Eskamani and Florida Rep. Maxwell Frost (D) are scheduled to take part in a virtual day of action. April 15th, 2023, they will take part in a "virtual phone bank to remind Governor DeSantis we oppose this bill, and demand he VETO it."

On social media, Eskamani shared a graphic showing how legislators voted, pointing out that "at least 7 Republicans voted no." Earlier this month, Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried (D) and Florida state Senator Lauren Book (D) were both arrested after protesting the bill.