Pro-choice protesters march outside the Texas State Capitol on Wednesday, Sept. 1, in Austin, Texas.Photo: Sergio Flores For The Washington Post via Getty
A Florida lawmaker introduced a bill that’s comparable tothe controversial law in Texasthat essentially banned abortions and deputized private citizens to target anyone who assists in one.
The “Florida Heartbeat Act” changes the state’s abortion laws from using the word “fetus,” instead replacing it with “unborn child,” and it effectively bans abortions after a heartbeat is detected, with few exceptions. Differing from Texas, this bill allows exceptions for rape, incest and life-threatening cases with the appropriate documentation to confirm. Generally, a heartbeat is detected at six weeks, before many people know they are pregnant.
A spokesperson for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis told theAssociated Press in a statement, “Governor DeSantis is pro-life. The Governor’s office is aware that the bill was filed today and like all legislation, we will be monitoring it as it moves through the legislative process in the coming months.”
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Eskamani added, “We must stop these extreme anti-abortion bills and I know the people of Florida overwhelmingly agree.”
Last week, State Sen. Kathleen Passidomo, a pro-life Republican set to become senate president next year,told theSarasota Herald-Tribunethat she opposes at least one part of the bill: “I do have concerns with the neighbor versus neighbor [aspect]. That’s very troubling.”
The controversial law in Texas essentially eliminates the rights ofRoe v. Wade. The billprohibits abortions after six weeks of pregnancyand does not allow exceptions for pregnancies that are the result of incest or rape.
Under the law, private citizens can sue abortion clinics they suspect of performing illegal abortions after six weeks, as well as anyone who aided in an abortion, including driving someone to an appointment or helping them with the cost. If the lawsuit is successful, they will be awarded a minimum of $10,000.
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Abortion providers in Texas have already attempted to stop the bill, asking the Supreme Court to issue an emergency block last month before it went into effect. They argued that the law “would immediately and catastrophically reduce abortion access in Texas, barring care for at least 85 percent of Texas abortion patients (those who are six weeks pregnant or greater) and likely forcing many abortion clinics ultimately to close.”
The courtvoted 5 to 4 against the request, allowing the law to remain in effect.
The Supreme Court is expected to take up Texas andother states' challenges toRoe v. Wadewhen they’re back in session in October.
source: people.com
