Bill Enhancing Abortion Regulations Passes and Goes to Governor

HB 1411 (Burton) was passed by the Senate ( 25-15) and returned to the House where it received final passage ( 76-40). The bill was sent to Governor Rick Scott who has until March 26 to act on the measure. This Catholic Days at the Capitol priority requires abortion doctors to have admitting privileges or a transfer agreement with a hospital not more than thirty (30) minutes away by emergency vehicle. In addition, the bill calls for the prohibition of public funding for an organization that owns, operates, or is affiliated with a licensed abortion clinic, with some exceptions. It also requires comprehensive reporting of abortion statistics to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Please take a moment of your time to thank Senator Kelli Stargel (R-Lakeland) and Representative Colleen Burton (R-Lakeland) for sponsoring this life-affirming legislation.

In a press release on Wednesday, the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops commended our state legislature for passing legislation that aims to protect the health and safety of women who choose abortion. Although we seek to protect all life, including unborn life, we also recognize that some women do choose abortion. Unfortunately, there are discrepancies in the level of care women receive at abortion clinics compared to the care offered at other health care facilities. This bill addresses this disparity.