Early Thursday, Florida's Republican House of Representatives approved a ban against abortions after 15 week. This was in response to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that could restrict abortion rights in America .
After hours of deliberation between Democrats who claimed the measure would place an unnecessary burden on women, and Republicans who claimed they were protecting unborn children, the GOP-controlled House approved the 15-week ban on abortion.
"This is the right of life, and to give up that life is unconscionable for me," stated Republican Rep. Dana Trabulsy. She disclosed that she had previously had an abortion, but has regretted it every day since.
After the U.S. Supreme Court indicated it would uphold a Mississippi law that prohibits abortions after 15 weeks, and possibly overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, Republicans from several state legislatures are considering imposing new restrictions on abortion. The decision in this case is expected to be made later this year.
Arizona , West Virginia and GOP legislators this week pushed for their own 15-week abortion bans. Republicans in other states are following a Texas law that effectively prohibited abortions after six weeks.
The Florida bill allows for exceptions in the event that abortion is required to save the life of a mother, prevent serious injury to her mother, or if there is a fatal abnormality. The state allows abortions for up to 24 weeks.
Democrats have repeatedly refused to include additional exceptions in the bill that would apply to pregnancies resulting from rape, incest, or human trafficking.
Rep. Robin Bartleman (Democrat) stated that "as a woman, it is my right make decisions about me body and what's in the best interests of my family." "God forbid that your 11-year-old is raped or pregnant, and you discover after 15 weeks that you are not allowed to have an abortion on your daughter, that's what the law says.
A group of activists from the House gallery began chanting "my body, My Choice" near the end of the House discussion. This forced the chamber to stop before the lawmakers could cast their votes.
Gov. Ron DeSantis (a Republican) has indicated his support for this proposal. The bill now moves to the Republican-controlled Senate.
