Abortion Bill Advances in the Legislature
The Republicans in the Legislature pulled another fast one. Minutes after Governor Ron DeSantis announced in his State of the State Address at the opening of the legislative session that he would support a fifteen-month abortion ban, Republican representative Erin Gall filed HB 5. The title of the bill is “Reducing Fetal and Infant Mortality” which sounds like something everyone would support. The first part of the bill actually is. It requires the Department of Health to contract with local healthy start coalitions for creation of fetal & infant mortality review committees which is something that minority activists have been asking for. But, along with the good is the bad. The bill also bans abortions after fifteen weeks with no exception for rape or incest. The only exceptions are to save the life of the mother or if the fetus has a “fatal fetal abnormality” certified by two physicians.
There is also a similar senate bill (SB 146) which has the same title. While the senate bill has only been referred to one committee, the house bill seems to be on a fast track to passage. It has been referred to three committees, and passed out of two so far. At this rate the bills may be up for a full vote of the house and senate soon and signed by the governor before we know it. See the bill here.
If you feel strongly about this issue, follow the information below to call or email your legislator.
State Representatives
Find your representative: https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/FindYourRepresentative
District 28 – David Smith (R)
phone: (850) 717-5028 email: david.smith@myfloridahouse.gov
District 29 – Scott Plakon (R)
phone: (850) 717-5029 email: scott.plakon@myfloridahouse.gov
District 30 – Joy Goff-Marcil (D)
phone: (850) 717-5030 email: joy.goff-marcil@myfloridahouse.gov
State Senator
Find your state senator: https://www.flsenate.gov/Senators/Find
District 9 - Jason Brodeur (R)
phone: (850) 487-5009 email: brodeur.jason@flsenate.gov