On Monday, Florida took further steps to restrict abortion access in the state, passing a bill that would ban most abortions after the gestational age of six weeks, about four weeks of pregnancy.
The bill, the “Heartbeat Protection Act,” will now move on to the state’s House, where it is expected to pass thanks to a Republican majority. The new legislation comes almost a year after Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed a 15-week abortion ban.
The current bill, if signed into law, will restrict abortion access further, imposing limitations on telehealth abortions and medication.
However, the bill does include exemptions for women facing life-threatening harm while pregnant and victims of rape, incest, or human trafficking.
Both physicians who perform abortions, and those who the bill classifies as “actively” participating in them, will be targeted by the legislation.
If a person is found violating the law, they could face third-degree felony charges, according to the legislation.
Many have spoken out against the legislation, calling it a violation of women’s rights.
Among those to speak out includes the White House, as White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre issued a statement after the bill was first introduced.
“The President and Vice President believe women should be able to make health care decisions with their doctors and families – free from political interference. They are committed to protecting access to reproductive care, and continue to call on Congress to restore the protections of Roe v. Wade in federal law,” Jean-Pierre said.
At the Florida capitol, protests broke out while the Senate voted on the bill. The Tallahassee Police Department shared that 11 people were arrested and charged with trespassing after receiving a warning.
Among those arrested were two prominent state Democrats, state party Chairwoman Nikki Fried, and Florida Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book.
On the other side of the aisle, state Sen. Clay Yarborough (R) said that the state’s “unborn children deserve the strongest protections possible under our laws.”
DeSantis has been adamant in pushing for abortion restriction since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, as many Republican led states have also followed the same path.
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