Katie Glenn, the state policy director for Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, told CNA that the bill “definitely moves Florida forward in a positive way.” She said the bill has “been fast-tracked in the Legislature” and believes it could become law by the “end of this month.”
“I know the House has a short week,” Glenn said, “but it should pass through the House next week or in the next few weeks and Gov. DeSantis has pledged to sign it.”
What the bill would do
This six-week abortion ban would calculate gestation from the first day of the woman’s last menstrual period. The legislation includes exceptions for rape, incest, and human trafficking, which would be subject to a 15-week cutoff and reporting requirements. The ban would create an exception for whenever the mother’s life or health is at risk and establish a third-trimester cutoff when fatal fetal abnormalities are detected.
If a physician performs an abortion in violation of the law, he would be subject to a third-degree felony, which is punishable by up to five years in prison. If an illegal abortion results in the death of the mother, the physician would be subject to a second-degree felony, which is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. These punishments also apply to any person who actively participates in the abortion.
The legislation also provides about $30 million in funding to support parents and families. This includes money for additional counseling or mentoring services and nonmedical assistance, such as clothing, formula, diapers, and cribs. In addition to those funds, lawmakers included more funding in the budget to support families.
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