Christie Arnold, associate for social concerns and respect life with the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, testified in support of HB 5 (Grall) before members of the House Professions and Public Health Subcommittee on Thursday. "We support HB 5 because we support strengthening and increasing protections for women and children, specifically unborn children," said Arnold. "It is encouraging that the bill narrows the window of time in which a woman can obtain an abortion to 15 weeks gestation. This is a good step in the right direction to limit the harm of abortion and further protect unborn children."
TALLAHASSEE – 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.
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.
Congress is trying to force Americans to pay for abortion. The Hyde Amendment and similar laws have protected taxpayers from funding elective abortion for 45 years. Now, powerful members of Congress want to take away these laws that both Democrats and Republicans have supported for nearly half a century. Billions of taxpayer dollars could be used to pay for abortion.
This week, the House Committee on Appropriations will mark-up appropriations bills. Three decades-old provisions which prevent taxpayer funds from being used to pay for abortions in the District of Columbia, through foreign assistance, and for federal employee health plans that cover abortions were eliminated from these appropriations bills.
Earlier this month, 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.
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.
Pope Francis has called for parishes to be "islands of mercy in the midst of a sea of indifference." In response to this call, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops recently launched Walking With Moms in Need: A Year of Service. This nationwide effort envisions that parish communities increase outreach to pregnant and parenting moms in need.
