Search
-
April 3, 2023After passing the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee by a 12-7 vote earlier in the week, SB 300 (Grall) was introduced on second reading in the Senate. Bill sponsor, Senator Erin Grall, answered numerous questions about the bill from members, and it was rolled to third reading.
SB 300 would limit when abortions can take place in Florida to the first six weeks of pregnancy - the stage in development when a heartbeat is first detectable. Exceptions to the six-week abortion ban are allowed for saving the life of the mother, for avoiding an irreversible and substantial impairment of a major bodily function of the mother, for fatal fetal abnormalities up to the third trimester, and for rape, incest or human trafficking up to 15 weeks gestation. Additionally, the measure prohibits state funding from assisting women traveling out of state to obtain abortion services and prohibits telehealth from being used to provide abortion services. While imperfect, the bill would be a tremendous improvement over current law and is strongly supported by the FCCB.
The bill also includes an increase from $4 million to $25 million to provide pregnancy and parenting support to women and their families.
Companion measure, HB 7 (Persons-Mulicka), was approved by the Health & Human Services Committee on Thursday by a 13-7 vote and has been placed on the House calendar on second reading. Christie Arnold, associate for social concerns and respect life, testified in support.
