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Florida Catholic Conference and
Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops

Our offices are in downtown Tallahassee, just two blocks from the Capitol complex.

201 West Park Avenue
Tallahassee, FL 32301-7715
phone: (850) 205-6820
fax: (850) 205-6849
(Map It)

Archdiocese of Miami Diocese of St. Augustine Diocese of St. Petersburg Diocese of Orlando Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee Diocese of Palm Beach Diocese of Venice
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  • Florida Catholic Conference extremely disappointed with veto of HB 1143


    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Friday, June 11, 2010

  • Tallahassee, FL – The Florida Catholic Conference expresses extreme disappointment with the action taken today by Governor Crist to veto HB 1143. This good bill would have had a profoundly positive effect on women and their unborn children, as well as all Floridians.

    Ultrasounds are already required for all second and third trimester abortions and are standard medical practice to determine gestational age and location of the fetus. Currently, over 80% of abortion clinics require an ultrasound before first trimester abortions and include it in the price.  HB 1143 would have ensured that all women seeking an abortion during their first trimester are afforded the opportunity to become fully informed before choosing to have an abortion.

    “This is a sad day for Florida women,” said Sheila Hopkins, Associate Director for Social Concerns/Respect Life. “Many women have lamented their decision and wish they could have viewed an ultrasound before making a choice that they now deeply regret. Without this bill in place women will continue to make a life-altering decision without the benefit of informed consent.”

    Additionally, HB 1143 would have ensured that public funds are not used to subsidize elective abortions. As a result of this veto, there is currently no mechanism in place to prevent Floridians’ tax dollars from being used to pay for abortions as federal reform is implemented and state exchanges are established. This bill also contained important government streamlining provisions that would have increased government and private sector efficiency.

    We thank the thousands of Catholic faithful and others of good will who reached out to Governor Crist to communicate their support for the provisions of this bill.

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  • The Florida Catholic Conference is an agency of the Catholic Bishops of Florida. It speaks for the Church in matters of public policy and serves as liaison to the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government. The archbishop and bishops of the seven (arch)dioceses in Florida constitute its board of directors.

CONTACT

Sheila S. Hopkins
Director for Social Concerns/Respect Life
(850) 205-6826
shopkins@flacathconf.org