DeSantis Signs Bill Banning Abortions In Florida After 15 Weeks

On Thursday, Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the Reducing Fetal and Infant Mortality Act, a bill which bans abortions after 15 weeks.

“House Bill 5 protects babies in the womb who have beating hearts, who can move, who can taste, who can see, and who can feel pain,” DeSantis said.  “Life is a sacred gift worthy of our protection, and I am proud to sign this great piece of legislation which represents the most significant protections for life in the state’s modern history.”

As explained in a press release from DeSantis’ office, the bill “prohibits an abortion after an unborn child has reached 15 weeks of gestation. While other states such as California and Colorado are taking extreme measures against the right to life by passing legislation which denies babies in the womb any rights or protections and provides for unrestricted abortions on demand until point of birth, Florida continues to move in a pro-life direction.”

“[The Reducing Fetal and Infant Mortality Act] amends several other sections of law with the aim of further reducing fetal and infant mortality,” the press release continued. “This bill adds a requirement to the Comprehensive Statewide Tobacco Education and Use Prevention Program to target information towards pregnant women and women who may become pregnant and requires the Department of Health (DOH) to contract with local Healthy Start coalitions to establish fetal and infant mortality review (FIMR) committees in all regions of the state.”

Each FIMR committee is required to “Review and analyze rates, trends, causes, and other data related to fetal and infant mortality and morbidity in its geographic area,” the press release said.

“Develop findings and recommendations for interventions and policy changes to reduce fetal and infant mortality and morbidity rates,” it added. “Engage with local communities and stakeholders to implement recommended policies and procedures to reduce fetal and infant mortality and morbidity.