DeSantis Signs New Florida Abortion Restrictions Into Law
Summary from the AllSides News Team
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed new abortion restrictions into law Thursday.
The Details: The Heartbeat Protection Act bans abortion after six weeks of pregnancy, with exceptions for rape and incest up to 15 weeks. Existing exemptions for life and the health of the mother up to 15 weeks remain. The law passed the Republican-led Florida House earlier Thursday in a 70-40 vote.
Key Quotes: DeSantis said the law "expands pro-life protections and devotes resources to help young mothers and families." State Rep. Dianne Hart said "we will return to some very, very dark ages where people will die as a result of their inability to get a legal abortion."
For Context: The bill will not take effect immediately. Florida's current abortion ban up to 15 weeks will stay in place until the state Supreme Court rules on legal challenges. Several Republicans voted against the new ban, but the House's Republican majority overruled them and rejected dozens of Democrat-sponsored amendments to the bill
How the Media Covered it: Sources across the spectrum framed the signing in the context of DeSantis's expected 2024 presidential campaign. Left- and center-rated sources often led with concerns about the law and poll data that suggests similar restrictions are unpopular. The Washington Times (Lean Right bias) also mentioned how similar bans are unpopular, and led its article by saying DeSantis "will need the support of evangelical voters if he enters the 2024 Republican presidential race."
Featured Coverage of this Story
From the Right
On cusp of presidential run, Florida Gov. DeSantis signs ban on abortion after 6 weeks
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who will need the support of evangelical voters if he enters the 2024 Republican presidential race, signed a bill Thursday evening imposing one of the nation’s strictest abortion limits.
The Heartbeat Protection Act was passed by the Republican-led Florida House earlier Thursday in a 70-40 vote and headed to the governor’s desk. Mr. DeSantis gave his approval after having signaled last month that he would sign it into law.
“We are proud to support life and family in the state of Florida,” he said.
The measure bans abortion after...
From the Left
Ron DeSantis quietly signs Florida's 6-week abortion ban into law
Gov. Ron DeSantis quietly signed legislation Thursday that would ban most abortions after six weeks in Florida, a move that will weigh on his likely 2024 presidential bid.
DeSantis said as far back as last month that he would sign the measure shepherded through the GOP-dominated Legislature, even as most public polling indicates a ban on abortions at six weeks of pregnancy is unpopular in both political parties.
The Florida law bans abortions at six weeks but creates new exemptions for rape and incest up to 15 weeks of pregnancy....
From the Center
Gov. DeSantis signs 6-week abortion ban after Republicans fast-track vote
Florida House Republicans leveraged their supermajority to fast-track and pass the six-week abortion ban Thursday, hours after lawmakers rejected nearly 50 amendments proposed by state Democrats to alleviate what they fear will be severe and potentially deadly impacts on women across the state.
That means the so-called "Heartbeat Protection Act" swiftly signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis is sure to be a consequential moment for his widely expected presidential run. He flew back from Ohio to sign the bill late that evening after wooing Republicans over breakfast and dinner during a day in the Buckeye...
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