Tallahassee, Fla., Jun 11, 2010 / 14:38 pm
Florida Governor Charlie Crist has vetoed a bill that would have required an ultrasound exam for women seeking an abortion during the first trimester. The vetoed bill also contained a provision that would have opted the state out of using federal funds for abortions under the new health care law.
“This bill places an inappropriate burden on women seeking to terminate a pregnancy,” Gov. Crist stated in his veto announcement.
“Individuals hold strong personal views on the issue of life, as do I,” he continued. “However, personal views should not result in laws that unwisely expand the role of government and coerce people to obtain medical tests or procedures that are not medically necessary.”
The governor stated, “In this case, such action would violate a woman's right to privacy.” Gov. Crist, who recently switched his party affiliation to Independent under pressure in a tight re-election race, had previously trumpeted his pro-life and family credentials.