Pregnancy Support Services Bill Advances in Both House and Senate

Both SB 444, sponsored by Senator Aaron Bean (R-Jacksonville), and its companion, HB 41 by Representative Jackie Toledo (R-Tampa), passed initial committees of reference in the weeks preceding the 2018 legislative session that begins January 9. 

Pictured above: A client of a FPCN provider testifies in committee about her positive experience at the clinic and the resources provided.

The measure formalizes the Florida Pregnancy Care Network (FPCN) in Florida statutes. FPCN is a network of 105 pregnancy help centers that provides services such as counseling, referrals, material support, training, and pregnancy and childbirth education to pregnant mothers as they prepare to parent or place their babies for adoption. FPCN has been operating since 2005, with funding in the state budget provided on an annual basis. In 2016, the program was expanded to include women's wellness services.

FCCB has been supportive of this program since its inception and urged support for the bill in  recent correspondence from Michael Sheedy, executive director. Establishing the program in statute will better allow for its growth and expansion as it assists vulnerable women in unexpected pregnancies by removing some material pressures and providing a range of services.