The governor of the State of Florida, Ron DeSantis, enacted a law that prohibits abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy, even in cases of rape and incest. The law, previously approved by the majority Republican State Congress, is issued in a context of great polarization due to the debate that abortion has sparked in American society. Florida legislators approved it with 23 votes in favor and 15 against.
The new law introduces extensive modifications, since the previous regulations allowed abortion up to 24 weeks of gestation. After its promulgation, this time is reduced to 15 weeks, after which the interruption of the pregnancy will only be lawful if the life of the mother is in danger.
By virtue of its articles, to request an abortion it will be necessary to schedule two medical appointments on different days: the first to perform laboratory tests, ultrasound and meet with the doctor; while in the second the procedure will be performed. During the interview, the doctor is empowered to dissuade the interested party from not terminating her pregnancy. If the applicant is a minor, the authorization of one of the parents will be required at least 48 hours before the procedure.
“We are here today to defend those who cannot defend themselves. This will represent the most significant protections for life that we have seen in a generation,” DeSantis said in a speech.
The law has angered abortion advocates. In this line, the reproductive health organization Planned Parenthood argued that “(…) this ban on abortion is an attack on our most fundamental freedoms: the right to control our own bodies, our own future.”
See Florida State abortion law.
