World News | Proposal to ban abortion in Florida six weeks early

TALAHASEE, March 17 (AP) A proposal to ban abortion within six weeks in Florida won overwhelming approval from a state House committee Thursday, with Democrats acknowledging they can do nothing to prevent it from eventually becoming law.

The proposal is moving forward while Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis still faces legal challenges to a 15-week ban on abortions that Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law last year. The new proposal, which would take effect only if the existing law is upheld, would make it a crime to provide abortions beyond six weeks of gestation.

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“This is a bill that recognizes the importance and value of innocent, unborn human life,” Republican Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka said of her proposal. “The bill before you not only reflects my personal beliefs, but is the result of my listening, trying to build a consensus around a pro-life policy.”

The measure could give DeSantis, who is widely expected to run for president, more fodder to appeal to conservative voters. The governor said he would support the proposed ban.

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Exceptions are made for the saving of a woman’s life and for pregnancies before 15 weeks due to rape or incest. In these cases, the woman must provide documents such as medical records, restraining orders or police reports.

Opponents say by the time a woman finds out she’s pregnant, it’s either too late or too late to schedule an abortion, especially for victims of rape and incest. Abortions would be more difficult for women in rural areas with limited medical access, they said.

“This bill is too restrictive. It’s re-traumatizing for women to have to go through a ton of paperwork to prove they were raped,” said Rep. Robin Bartleman, D-Mass., adding that most rapes are Not reported.

But she also recognizes that Republicans will get their way.

“You’re going to get the votes, you’re going to get a supermajority. Florida is basically going to ban abortion outright,” she said. “I can do math.”

There is one more committee stop before the House bill can be heard in plenary session. A similar Senate bill has been assigned to two committees and will have its first hearing next week. House and Senate leaders have expressed support for the legislation. (Associated Press)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from a Syndicated News feed, the content body may not have been modified or edited by LatestLY staff)