The unpopular abortion ban was released quietly on Thursday and with it the exceptions that come with it
According to a press statement sent by the governor's office on Thursday, Governor Ron DeSantis has passed a measure that will prohibit most abortions in Florida after six weeks. The state Supreme Court's earlier ruling on the abortion ban would have to be reversed before the six-week ban could take effect.
The bill was passed by the Senate on Thursday afternoon, and DeSantis signed it that evening. Yet, he did not make a public statement about it until well after 11 o'clock at night. Pregnant women in Florida must show evidence of rape or incest if they want an abortion after six weeks under the new law signed in by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Also, if the life of the mother is at threat two doctors must certify that in writing before a gestation can be terminated.
Those are just some of the heavy restrictions in the law that the Democratic governor inked on Thursday, which bans revocations after six week is one of the most restrictive revocation laws in the country.
About the 6-week abortion ban
Under this new law, Florida would join other Republican-led states in severely restricting access to abortions after the Supreme Court's decision to repeal Roe v. Wade last year. Before moving to DeSantis' desk for signature, the bill was approved by the Florida House of Representatives on Thursday, April 5, and the Florida Senate on April 3.
Within the first six weeks, the bill would outlaw most abortions in Florida. Critics of the bill say that many women don't even realize they're pregnant until far later than 6 weeks. The legislation would also prevent physicians from issuing abortion prescriptions through telemedicine and require that abortion drugs are given by a doctor rather than sent over the mail.
How the bill affects abortion access in the Southeast
The restriction in Florida would significantly limit access to abortion in the Southeast. Both Mississippi and Alabama outlaw abortion entirely, while Georgia restricts them to within the first six weeks of pregnancy. The South Carolina Supreme Court decided on the abortion ban after six weeks was unconstitutional, but lawmakers are still trying to establish a new prohibition.
According to data compiled by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, the number of women seeking abortion services from other states increased from 4,873 in 2021 to 6,709 the following year. Anna Eskamani, a Democrat from Florida, presented an amendment to rename the law the "Forced Pregnancy Act".
How do you feel about this abortion ban legislation? Is it a positive move by the Governor, or should there be more measures in place to protect people from forced pregnancies? Let us know in the comments!
We’ve been following the abortion ban closely here on Calle Ocho News. Follow our newsletter for more news from Miami and beyond. We cover everything from local news to sports updates, health and research, and more. If you’re a small business in Miami looking for a way to promote your venture to a large audience, check out our advertise with us page.
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