Florida Legislature Has Passed 6-Week Abortion Ban

On Thursday, the Republican-controlled Florida House approved a bill that would ban abortion after six weeks of pregnancy. 

The legislation now heads to Governor Ron DeSantis’s (R) desk, and he is expected to sign it into law. DeSantis had already signed a 15-week abortion ban last year, but said that he supported more restrictive measures.

Following the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down Roe v. Wade last year, DeSantis said his administration would “expand pro-life protections” beyond the 15-week abortion ban. 

“Florida will continue to defend its recently enacted pro-life reforms against state court challenges, will work to expand pro-life protections, and will stand for life by promoting adoption, foster care and child welfare,” DeSantis posted on Twitter at the time. 

However, even if DeSantis signs the legislation, the new restrictions are dependent on how the Florida Supreme Court rules in a challenge to the current 15-week ban. 

The legislation passed in the House just 10 days after the Florida state Senate approved a similar bill. The passage is a major win for anti-abortion activists.

“Florida lawmakers today delivered a major win for babies and mothers and a huge step forward for the Sunshine State,” said Katie Daniel, the director of state policy for Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America. “Unborn babies are  human beings with beating hearts at six weeks’ gestation.”