Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a bill into law that would ban abortions in the state after six weeks of pregnancy. The law, which will prohibit abortions after 6 weeks, has exceptions for mother’s whose lives are at risk and abortions up to 15 weeks for pregnancies caused by rape, incest or human trafficking. It will also make it a third-degree felony if physicians or anyone “actively” participating in an abortion violate the ban, and will prohibit state funds from being used to help a woman get an abortion in another state. The bill's passage was a major policy win for the Florida governor ahead of his expected entrance into the 2024 race against former President Trump.
The legislation was signed during a private ceremony and announced just after 11 pm, less than two weeks after Florida's Republican-led Senate voted to pass the controversial ban. If approved by courts, it would see The Sunshine State join at least a dozen other states that have approved bans on abortions after six weeks—a marker that has proved polarizing due to it often being too early to spot a pregnancy.
A national Democratic operative granted anonymity told Politico Thursday how this signing could hurt DeSantis' presidential aspirations. They cited how the ban is one of many sticking points that won't sit well with swing voters during both primaries and general elections.
Opponents argue that such laws infringe upon women's reproductive rights as they effectively bar access to legal abortion before many individuals even know they're pregnant.
Dr. Rachel Levine M.D., an obstetrician-gynecologist practicing in Miami-Dade County commented on this issue: "This new law poses significant challenges for women seeking timely care as it imposes restrictions before many are even aware they're pregnant."
Proponents claim these laws protect unborn children once their heartbeat can be detected; however critics say such bills could potentially lead to costly legal battles and ultimately be declared unconstitutional, as similar laws have been in the past.
As this controversial legislation progresses, it remains to be seen whether Governor DeSantis' decision will indeed impact his political future or serve as a rallying point for conservatives seeking stricter abortion regulations nationwide.