Potential Republican presidential candidate and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced he has signed a bill that bans abortions in the state after six weeks of pregnancy. In a statement, he expressed his happiness "to support life and family in Florida," praising the "legislature for passing the Heartbeat Protection Law which expands pro-life protections and provides additional resources for young mothers and families."
The law, which will prohibit abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, includes exceptions for mothers whose lives are at risk due to the pregnancy, and allows abortion up to the 15th week in cases of rape, incest, or human trafficking. It will also classify participation in abortion by doctors or anyone involved as a third-degree felony, and it prohibits the use of state funds to assist a woman in obtaining an abortion in another state. Additionally, it bans the use of "telehealth" services or mail to receive abortion medications. The passage of the bill marks a significant political win for the Florida governor ahead of his anticipated entry into the 2024 presidential race against former President Donald Trump.