Florida: A 6-week abortion ban is introduced, as a 15-week ban heads to Supreme Court
As the legality of a 15-week ban on abortions is being debated in court, the state’s legislature is considering a bill which would allow abortions past six weeks only when the mother’s life was in danger, or in cases of rape or incest.
(Photo of Florida State Capitol: Spencer Hopkins/Shutterstock.com)
As goes Texas, so goes Florida. The Sunshine State looks ready to follow in its Republican brothers’ footsteps as its state legislature considers a bill which would ban abortions after six weeks of gestation, according to AP News. The bill, which many Democratic lawmakers call extremely limiting, would allow abortions past six weeks only when the mother’s life was in danger, or in cases of rape or incest.
The new, six-week bill passed a House subcommittee on March 16, with a 13-5 vote, per WESH. The bill is likely to pass in the House and Senate, as both chambers have indicated they’re in favor of the legislation, per AP News. Governor Ron DeSantis, who is a Republican, is expected to sign the bill if passed.
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Florida has already passed a ban on abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, but that law is not currently being enforced as its legality is being debated in the courtrooms, according to AP News. The 15-week ban was challenged last June by abortion providers who contend the legislation violates Florida’s state constitution, per WUSF. However, a date has not been scheduled by the Florida Supreme Court to consider arguments.
Republicans have mostly hailed the new bill as an important step towards reversing abortion in the state, though some have protested that the bill should be replaced with a total abortion ban, according to WESH. On the other hand, Democratic lawmakers have argued that, since many women don’t realize they’re pregnant until after the 6-week mark, very few women could get an abortion under a 6-week ban, per AP News.
A six-week abortion ban could have a significant impact on companies with branches or headquarters in Florida, as some companies may choose to relocate offices or open new businesses in locations where abortion is legal, per Barron’s. Otherwise, companies risk losing young or liberal talent to organizations based in states with less strict abortion laws.