News - Abortion RSS Feed

During the 2022 Florida Legislative Session, legislators passed and Governor DeSantis signed into law a ban on abortion after 15 weeks gestation. In response, several pro-abortion organizations recently sued the state of Florida challenging the constitutionality of the new law. On June 30, a circuit judge said he would enter a temporary injunction preventing the law from going into effect on or shortly after the law’s effective date of July 1. An appeal of the injunction by the State is expected.

On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States issued a landmark ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, overturning Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey. In response, the bishops of Florida issued the following statement:

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law HB 5 that limits abortions in Florida to the first 15 weeks of pregnancy. The new law also includes provisions to improve infant health and analyze and reduce fetal and infant mortality. In support of the governor’s action, the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops issued the following statement:

The bishops of Florida are elated to see the ruling by Judge Angela Dempsey of the Second Judicial Circuit Court upholding a 2015 state law that gives women 24 hours to reflect on information provided by physicians before proceeding with abortions

An amendment filed by Senator Jason Pizzo would have funded an HLARC (Hormonal Long-acting Reversible Contraceptive) Program. Christie Arnold, associate for social concerns & respect life, testified in opposition to the amendment on behalf of the FCCB. HLARCs have detrimental effects on a woman's health and have abortifacient effects as they prevent embryos from implanting in the womb.

After nearly six hours of debate, the Florida House passed HB 5 (Grall) shortly after midnight on February 17. House members went back and forth sharing opposing perspectives and often emotional stories of how abortion has impacted their lives. The bill, which would prohibit abortion after 15-weeks of pregnancy, was passed with a 78-39 vote largely along party lines.

SB 146 (Stargel) was found favorable by the Senate Health Policy Committee on Wednesday by a 6-4 vote. HB 5  and SB 146 (Stargel) were filed on the first day of the legislative session, proposing to protect women and limit the harm of abortion in Florida. The bills would prohibit abortion after 15 weeks gestation, shrinking the window of time in which an abortion is able to be legally obtained

On the first day of the legislative session, two bills emerged to protect women and limit the harm of abortion in Florida. SB 146 (Stargel) and HB 5 (Grall) would prohibit abortion after 15 weeks gestation, shrinking the window of time in which an abortion is able to be legally obtained.

Encouraged by the oral arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court in the Mississippi abortion case, Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, yet in somber recognition of the millions of lives lost to abortion, Florida's Catholic bishops have released a joint statement marking the 49th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Additionally, in Catholic dioceses in the U.S., January 22 is observed annually as a Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children.

Governor DeSantis approved a record $100 billion budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2021. Before signing the budget, the governor used his line-item veto authority to cut $1.5 billion from the spending plan approved by the legislature. Included in his line-item vetoes was the new $2 million recurring appropriation to promote and provide Hormonal Long-acting Reversible Contraception (HLARC).

On May 17, the U.S. Supreme Court announced that it will hear oral arguments in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. A decision by the high court is expected by June 2022 and could, for the first time since 1973, greatly diminish the ruling in Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion.

On April 23, HB 1221 (Grall) was passed by the House (74-44). The measure prohibits a physician from performing an abortion if the physician knows, or should know, that the woman is seeking the abortion solely on the basis of a prenatal test result or fetal diagnosis of a disability or the potential of a disability. The bill defines disability as any disease, defect or disorder that is genetically inherited including physical disabilities or disfigurement, mental or intellectual disabilities, or Down syndrome, and does not include a lethal fetal anomaly. An exception is provided if the abortion is necessary to save the life of the mother. FCCB supports this measure as an incremental step that limits the harm of an abortion. The Senate companion, SB 1664 (Rodriguez, A.), has yet to be heard in committee this year.

On April 6, HB 1221 (Grall) was passed (12-8) by the House Health & Human Services Committee. The bill prohibits a physician from performing an abortion if the physician knows, or should know, that the woman is seeking the abortion solely on the basis of a prenatal test result or fetal diagnosis of a disability or the potential of a disability. The bill defines disability as any disease, defect or disorder that is genetically inherited including physical disabilities or disfigurement, mental or intellectual disabilities, or Down syndrome, and does not include a lethal fetal anomaly. An exception is provided if the abortion is necessary to save the life of the mother. FCCB supports this measure as an incremental step that limits the harm of an abortion. HB 1221 was passed (12-8) by the House Health & Human Services Committee, its second committee of reference. The Senate companion, SB 1664 (Rodriguez, A.), has yet to be heard in committee.

The Hyde Amendment, contained in the federal government's annual appropriations legislation, prohibits federal funding of domestic abortions, except in cases of rape, incest or to save the life of the mother. It is a bipartisan provision that has been part of federal appropriations for 45 years (since 1976). In addition to being widely supported by Americans, it saves lives and respects the consciences of Americans. However, it is now under grave threat. 

On April 1, HB 241 (Grall) was passed by the full House (78-37). The bill ensures that the right of parents to review instructional materials and curriculum is transparent and forthcoming. It also establishes parental consent requirements for medical care provided to a minor child. Having access to information about their rights allows parents to make informed decisions and better direct their child's education and health care. FCCB support for the bill is highlighted in a letter to Rep. Grall. The measure will go to the Senate for final passage. Companion bill, SB 582 (Rodrigues, R.), is in its final committee of reference, Senate Rules. 

The suffering and societal neglect of persons with disabilities calls for caring and compassionate solutions that recognize the value of the individual, not for the violence of abortion that seeks to eliminate the disabled as a burden unworthy of our love and protection. HB 1221 (Grall) prohibits a physician from performing an abortion if the physician knows, or should know, that the woman is seeking the abortion solely on the basis of a prenatal test result or fetal diagnosis of a disability or the potential of a disability.

The Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling usurped the proper role of legislators and imposed an extreme abortion regime that has contributed to the polarization that has divided us as a nation and further wounded our society by ending over 61 million lives. Its trauma affects the web of social relationships that form families and society. Disregard for unborn life too often has poisoned political discourse and coarsened our mutual respect. It also undermines our appreciation for the value of every person, especially those who are vulnerable.

During a virtual press conference organized by the Susan B. Anthony List and other pro-life allies, Senators Ana Maria Rodriguez and Ray Rodrigues and Reps. Tommy Gregory and David Borrero announced their support and sponsorship of the Florida Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act.

The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops thanks Governor Ron DeSantis for signing into law SB 404, a bill that requires parental consent before a minor has an abortion. This common-sense measure simply holds abortion to the same consent requirements as most every other medical decision involving a child, including simple interventions such as taking an aspirin or getting ears pierced.

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops thanks Governor Ron DeSantis for signing into law today SB 404, a bill that requires parental consent before a minor has an abortion. This common-sense measure simply holds abortion to the same consent requirements as most every other medical decision involving a child, including simple interventions such as taking an aspirin or getting ears pierced.