A Florida lawmaker has introduced an anti-abortion bill that's extremely similar to the controversial law on abortion in Texas that bans abortions after six weeks and deputizes citizens to target anyone who assists in one.
Republican State Rep. Webster Barnaby filed the bill Wednesday, September 22, presenting the potential law that would fine "at least $10,000 for each abortion that the defendant performed or induced in violation of this chapter, and for each abortion performed or induced in violation of this chapter which the defendant aided or abetted."
The law would go into effect July 2022, per AP.
The "Florida Heartbeat Act" changes the state's abortion laws from using the word "fetus," instead replacing it with "unborn child," and it effectively bans abortions after a heartbeat is detected, with few exceptions.
Unlike the Texas law, this bill allows exceptions for rape, incest, and life-threatening cases with the appropriate documentation to confirm.
A spokesperson for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis told the Associated Press in a statement: "Governor DeSantis is pro-life.
"The Governor's office is aware that the bill was filed today and like all legislation, we will be monitoring it as it moves through the legislative process in the coming months."
Democrat State Rep. Anna Eskamani, an outspoken advocate for abortion rights, said in a statement in response: "This gross excuse of a bill attacks women and birthing people who are seeking an abortion before they even know they are pregnant.
"It also attempts to mimic Texas by creating a process for civil action towards those that help someone in Florida end a pregnancy after 6 weeks. Extreme attacks on reproductive health are not about policy, it is about control, shame, and will negatively impact communities who already experience barriers to accessing care."
Eskamani added: "We must stop these extreme anti-abortion bills and I know the people of Florida overwhelmingly agree."
In Texas, the controversial new legislation, Senate Bill 8, bans abortions after six weeks in Texas and took effect last week after the Supreme Court's inaction.
The Supreme Court and a federal appeals court did not act upon objections from emergency requests brought forth by abortion providers.
This means that as of September 1, abortion after six weeks is illegal in the state - which is before many people even know they are pregnant, CNN reports.
Private lawsuits can therefore be brought against any pregnant person seeking to have an abortion after six weeks.
This amounts to a near-total ban on abortions and has no provision for victims of rape or incest.