Washington D.C., Apr 6, 2023 / 08:30 am
A bill that would ban abortions after six weeks’ gestation passed the Florida Senate and appears to be on its way to becoming law; however, lawmakers first need the state Supreme Court to overturn a decades-old “right to privacy” enshrined in the state constitution.
The Heartbeat Protection Act, sponsored by Sen. Erin Grall, R-Vero Beach, passed the Senate 26-13 with support from most Republicans in the chamber and opposition from Democrats. The bill, which Gov. Ron DeSantis pledged he would sign if it gets to his desk, will now be considered by the House, which has a strong 84-35 Republican supermajority.
“For decades now, Florida has been a nationwide leader in defending the rights of the unborn,” Grall said in a statement upon the bill’s passage.
“The Heartbeat Protection Act will make Florida a beacon of hope for those who understand that life is sacred and must be protected,” Grall continued. “This bill represents an unprecedented opportunity to protect innocent life and to stand with the brave moms who choose life for their babies. For 50 years, it was legal in this country to kill unborn children, and during that time, abortion has touched every single one of us. We have to grieve for what we have done as a country. This bill makes certain our laws reflect the strongest protections for innocent life.”