Washington, D.C. — Last night, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) signed into law a near-total abortion ban in the state of Florida. Maggie Jo Buchanan, senior director of the Women’s Initiative and senior legal fellow at the Center for American Progress, released the following statement:
Gov. DeSantis and his Republican allies in the Florida legislature have rammed through an unpopular, dangerous, near-total abortion ban, stripping access to a critical form of care, taking away abortion care in one of the last states where it was available in the South. This will affect millions of women, both in Florida and throughout the South. And, as we’ve seen occur across the country, such bans result not only in a restriction of freedom but also tie the hands of doctors treating patients experiencing pregnancy loss and other medical emergencies. Doctors—not politicians—should make decisions about patients’ health.
Gov. DeSantis’ abortion ban also flies in the face of what Floridians want. Floridians—like Americans nationwide—have consistently supported abortion rights. Gov. DeSantis’ abortion ban is dangerous and puts women’s lives at risk. He has made it clear that he will only continue to attack Floridians’ rights and freedoms until he bans any and all abortion.
Related resources: “State Laws on Abortion” by Becca Damante and Kierra Jones
For more information or to speak with an expert, please contact Sarah Nadeau at [email protected].