Florida

Are Republicans in Florida planning to further tighten abortion restrictions next year?

Tallahassee, Fla. — What’s Next for Abortion in the Sunshine State? As the next legislative session, which begins in March, approaches, legislative leaders are uncertain.

Pressure from anti-abortion groups is already underway. Activists flooded the Capitol Rotunda during an organizing meeting in late November. The governor also began responding to questions at the press conference.

came most recently last weekAttendees asked if Gov. Ron DeSantis was ready to “take the lead on the Florida Heartbeat Bill.”

Republicans responded by saying, “I am happy to sign the Wonderful Life Act.” “That’s what I’ve always said I would do.”

But getting bills at DeSantis’ desk is easier said than done.

House Speaker Paul Renner (R-Palm Coast) sounded like he might be open to more restrictions during the recent election cycle. Press conferenceBut Florida Senate Speaker Kathleen Passidomo said it would wait for the Florida Supreme Court to act on the state’s current 15-week ban before going any further.

“Until the Florida Supreme Court gives its 15-week ruling, we can do nothing. last thursday “If the Supreme Court drops it, we start over.”

There’s no timeline, but a judge is considering whether to uphold an injunction blocking a law that opponents believe violates Florida’s privacy protections.

If the court upholds the new law, Passidomo said it would uphold a 12-week ban, except for rape and incest.

“As with all bills, how can we negotiate what makes sense and can be passed?” she said.

Meanwhile, Democrats like House Minority Leader Fentris Driskel have taken a different approach. She is working with the White House to “shed light” on the issue.

“I can tell you that most Americans, like most Floridians, support access to abortion,” said a Democrat from Tampa.

Driskell hoped that President Joe Biden’s bully pulpit would provide some leverage, especially after the November midterm elections, to deter Florida Republicans from moving forward.

“In every state where abortion was voted on, including states much redder than Florida, like Montana, Kansas and Kentucky, voters have rejected further abortion restrictions,” Driskel said.

So far, lawmakers have yet to introduce next year’s abortion bill. It’s just a matter of time. The big question is not whether the bill will be introduced, but whether leaders will take it up when there is still much uncertainty on the issue.



https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/state/will-florida-republicans-go-further-on-abortion-restrictions-next-year Are Republicans in Florida planning to further tighten abortion restrictions next year?

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