A pair of measures would prohibit physicians in Florida from performing abortions if the gestational age of the fetus is 15 weeks.
Filed on Jan. 11 by state Sen. Kelli Stargel (R-Lakeland), SB 146, Fetal and Infant Mortality Reduction and its twin House bill HB5, the Reducing Fetal and Infant Mortality filed by Rep. Erin Grall,( R-Vero Beach) and co-introduced by Rep. Ralph Massullo, MD (R-Beverly Hills) and others do not contain exceptions for rape or incest, but do allow abortions in cases where the pregnancy threatens the health of the mother, or if a fetus has a fatal defect.
During a Jan. 12 press conference in Bonita Springs, Gov. Ron DeSantis said that while he had not seen the particular bills, he is supportive of the 15-week time frame.
“I think that is very reasonable, and I think that’s very consistent with being supportive of protecting life,” DeSantis said. “So we will work with them [the legislators] as they get through that process. But I think that’ll be something that we will be able to sign, and I think a lot of people will be very happy with that.”
No one from Florida Planned Parenthood was available for comment.
SB 146 has been referred to the Senate’s Health Policy and Appropriations committee.
If passed, SB146 and HB5 would become effective on July 1.
