After 6 weeks of pregnancy, abortion in Florida is a no-go, making it one of the toughest states in the US when it comes to abortion law. People can get an abortion if their life is threatened with carrying a potential child to term for just the first 15 weeks.
The bill passed along party lines on a 70-40 vote. The chamber filled with protestors, but they were quickly ushered out once one of them threw a paper on the floor, which can technically be interpreted as a disturbance.
$25 million of government dollars will be allocated to expand Florida Pregnancy Care, which offers pregnancy support services, and have been around as a strident alternative to Planned Parenthood. Governor Ron DeSantis is expected to sign the bill into law, but with the 25 million provision, he has likely shot himself in the foot with any libertarian minded GOP primary voter.
Protests were hardcore even before the bill officially passed. Two weeks ago, when the bill got out of committee, Florida Dem Chair and former Charlie Crist primary opponent Nikki Fried got arrested in the protests.
The bill will be on pause however, as an abortion ban and its constitutionality is being heard by the Florida State Supreme Court. Though unlikely, it’s entirely possible that the court rules against the bill.
The voters of Florida, while slightly conservative, don’t seem to be on board with this bill. The University of North Florida released a poll saying 75% of Florida residents are either strongly opposed or somewhat opposed to a 15 week abortion ban. The GOP may have shot themselves in the foot on this one.
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