The US state of Florida introduces a far-reaching ban on abortions after the 15th week. Florida’s governor, Republican Ron DeSantis, signed the tightening law into law in Kissimmee on Thursday. “We are here today to defend those who cannot defend themselves,” DeSantis said.
The law is scheduled to go into effect on July 1. This means that abortions in Florida after the 15th week of pregnancy would only be possible in exceptional cases: for example if the life of the mother is in danger or the fetus has a fatal anomaly, but not in the case of rape, for example.
The Democrats immediately criticized the new law after it was signed: “Politicians have no right to put themselves between a patient and her doctor,” said the chairman of the Democrats in Florida’s House of Representatives, Evan Jenne. The ban deprives every woman of the right to make her own decision. Florida’s rule follows the model of southern Mississippi’s new abortion law, which is currently under review by the US Supreme Court.
Conservative anti-abortion phalanx
Other Republican-led US states are also trying to largely restrict access to abortions. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed a law on Tuesday that would make having an abortion in the state punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000 (€92,000).
Protest by women’s rights activists in front of Florida’s parliament (mid-February): “Right to make your own decision”
A change in the law in Texas also caused a lot of excitement: a strict abortion law has also been in force there since last year. It bans all abortions once the fetal heartbeat has been determined. This can happen as early as the sixth week of pregnancy. Many women do not even know at this point that they are pregnant.
A fundamental judgment that is almost 50 years old could be overturned
According to a landmark ruling by the US Supreme Court in 1973, abortions are actually permitted in the United States until the fetus is viable – i.e. up to around the 24th week of pregnancy. The decision is considered a milestone.
This case law, known as “Roe versus Wade”, is now up for debate. If the Supreme Court, which now has many conservative judges, decides that Mississippi’s abortion law is constitutional, other states could also further restrict abortion. A decision by the constitutional judges is expected in June.
AR/fw (dpa, afp, ap)