Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Signs Pro-Life ‘Heartbeat Bill’ Into Law
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R). (Getty Images)
(CNSNews.com) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed the Heartbeat Protection Act into law on Apr. 13, legislation that prohibits most abortions after an unborn baby’s heartbeat is detected, which usually occurs around six weeks into a pregnancy. Conservatives applauded the decision, saying “now more babies will live!” Not one Democrat voted for the bill.
“We are proud to support life and family in the state of Florida,” said Governor Ron DeSantis on Thursday. “I applaud the Legislature for passing the Heartbeat Protection Act that expands pro-life protections and provides additional resources for young mothers and families.”
Gov. DeSantis signs Heartbeat Protection Act into law, April 13, 2023.
“While other states like California and New York have legalized infanticide up until birth, Governor DeSantis has enacted historic measures to defend the dignity of human life and transform Florida into a pro-family state,” said his office in a statement.
The Heartbeat Protection Act, SB300, prohibits “physicians from knowingly performing or inducing a termination of pregnancy after the gestational age of the fetus is determined to be more than 6 weeks, rather than 15 weeks, with exceptions; providing an exception if the woman obtaining the abortion is doing so because she is a victim of rape, incest, or human trafficking….”
In those exceptional cases, the woman must “provide a copy of a restraining order, police report, medical record, or other court order or documentation providing evidence that she is obtaining the termination of pregnancy because she is a victim of rape, incest, or human trafficking,” reads the law.
The law also requires that only physicians may dispense abortion pills, and that such drugs may not be dispensed through the U.S. Postal Service “or any other courier or shipping service.”
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“This historic day marks an enormous victory in the battle for human rights,” said Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of SBA Pro-Life America. “No longer will Florida account for 10% of abortions in the nation or be known as an abortion destination.”
“More moms who need financial and emotional support will get the help they need during pregnancy and after their child is born,” she added. “Most of all, tens of thousands of precious boys and girls will live and have the opportunity to pursue their dreams, bless the lives of others, and enhance Florida’s communities.”
The new law allocates state funds for pregnancy centers in Florida. These centers provide “free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, medical exams, counseling, parenting classes, financial classes, and resources such as food, diapers, clothing, and financial assistance for housing and utilities,” reported SBA Pro-Life America.
Dr. Kathi Aultman, a former abortionist who lives in Jacksonville, said, “After performing hundreds of abortions, I know without hesitation that abortion after six weeks stops a beating heart. The cardiovascular system is the first organ system to function, and at this stage of development the heart beats around 110 beats per minute. Research has shown that if a heartbeat is detected, a baby has more than a 90% chance of surviving to birth.”
“I wish this kind of protection had been in place when I chose to have my abortion,” said Dr. Aultman. “It would have saved my child and saved me a lifetime of regret.”
BREAKING: Governor DeSantis just signed the Heartbeat Protection Act in Florida, a 6 week abortion ban.
This is one step closer to protecting children from the moment of conception just like they deserve.
— Abby Johnson (@AbbyJohnson) April 14, 2023
Pro-Life leader Abby Johnson tweeted about the new law, “This is one step closer to protecting children from the moment of conception just like they deserve.”
Townhall.com tweeted, “Despite the Naysayers, Ron DeSantis Stands Up for Life and Signs Heartbeat Bill.”
Tony Edwards, a conservative in Florida tweeted, “People said it couldn’t be done in FL. People said it wasn’t politically convenient. But he did it and now more babies will live. Thank you Governor!”
Ron DeSantis wastes no time and signs FL Heartbeat Bill into law as soon as it reaches his desk!
People said it couldn’t be done in FL. People said it wasn’t politically convenient.
But he did it and now more babies will live. Thank you Governor! ❤️🇺🇸🐊 #ProLife #DeSantis2024
— Tony Edwards (@RealTonyEdwards) April 14, 2023
This is “A huge win for unborn babies!” tweeted Proud Elephant.
Denise Harle, an attorney with the Allinace Defending Freedom, said, “Just witnessed hundreds of thousands of lives saved in an instant. Thank you to the tireless legislators, faithful advocates, and Gov. DeSantis!”
The far-left media outlet MeidasTouch tweeted, “This is an assault on liberty, an attack on freedom, and a war on women.”
Florida House Rep. Anna V. Eskamani (D) said, “We’ll make sure voters know. A painfully sad day for Florida.”
Governor DeSantis signed the 6 week abortion ban into law.
No large press conference; he clearly knows how unpopular this terrible bill is and is trying to hide it from the public.
We’ll make sure voters know.
A painfully sad day for Florida.
— Rep. Anna V. Eskamani 🔨 (@AnnaForFlorida) April 14, 2023
Florida Senate member Lauren Book (D) tweeted, “Late last night, Ron DeSantis quietly signed the abortion ban into law. This dangerous ban turns back the clock on women’s rights — bringing the government into exam rooms and criminalizing women and their doctors over private healthcare decisions. This is not freedom.”
Late last night, Ron DeSantis quietly signed the abortion ban into law.
This dangerous ban turns back the clock on women’s rights — bringing the government into exam rooms and criminalizing women and their doctors over private healthcare decisions.
This is not freedom.
— Lauren Book (@LeaderBookFL) April 14, 2023