State Representative Berny Jacques (R-FL) sat down for an exclusive interview with The Floridian to discuss the legislative session that began on Monday. Additionally, State Rep. Jacques shared with us the bill that he will be introducing later this week. that looks to set up a “one-stop-shop” for pregnant mothers and their families who are considering an abortion. It has been labeled as HB 415, Pregnancy and Parenting Resources Website.
State Rep. Jacques told us that he’s pro-life and he wants pregnant women in the state of Florida to know that they have resources available to help them bring a child into the world.
“This is for expecting parents who may be in a tough situation where they’re grappling with the decision of whether or not to choose life. I’m very pro-life and I want people to choose life,” said Jacques. “But I think it would help if there is a state resource, in this case in the form of a website that would show all the resources that are available, a one-stop-shop of everything you will need to make that decision to choose life.”
He continued, stating the resources that would be included on the website.
.@BernyJacques Files Bill to Create Taxpayer-Funded Website That Provides Resources for Pregnant Mothers
"“This is for expecting parents who may be in a tough situation where they’re grappling with the decision of whether or not to choose life"
READ MORE:… pic.twitter.com/7WhUQsJGN4
— The Floridian (@Floridianpress) January 10, 2024
“We’re talking about everything from financial services, health screenings, parenting classes, things even for fatherhood, and mentorship initiatives that will show you that once you deliver that child into the world and into our state, there’s going to be services to make sure that you are successful as a parent to bring that child up,” said the state representative.
He carried on by mentioning that there are “willing people” who are looking to adopt children and that his bill would address this.
“Or even if you don’t want to bring that child up there are willing people who are willing to adopt and to take care of that child. It will be there and on one dedicated state website,” concluded Jacques.
The bill would require that the Department of Health as well as the Department of Children and Families and the Agency for Health Care Administration work together to provide the proper resources that will be listed on the website.
A companion bill was filed in the Senate by State Senator Erin Grall (R-FL).
Democrats in the State Senate have not backed down from the abortion issue.
In fact, they've been emboldened by it.
State Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book (D-FL) issued a rebuttal to Gov. Ron DeSantis' State of the State Address. In doing so, she stated that Democrats are fighting to protect women looking to perform abortions from prosecution.
While Republicans are focused on prioritizing corporate interests and taking away Floridians’ rights and freedoms, Democrats remain undeterred in our fight for everyday people across the state.
We're fighting for teachers and truck drivers, women and their doctors, farmers and… pic.twitter.com/ve56kw0Vwl
— Lauren Book (@LeaderBookFL) January 9, 2024
“Together, Florida Senate Democrats are fighting for you, filing legislation to ensure Floridians have the freedom to be economically strong, healthy, and safe. That’s why I’m fighting to make sure women aren’t jailed over abortion care and low-income seniors stay afloat amidst the ongoing property insurance crisis,” said Book.
With abortion on the ballot in 2024 in the state of Florida, it will likely be a hot button issue for the State Legislature.
