Gov. Scott Signs Tougher Abortion Law

Florida women still have the right to choose, but they’re going to have to do so a little sooner.

Gov. Rick Scott has officially signed a new bill into law that restricts abortions once a fetus is considered viable, which is generally around 23 weeks of gestation. The new rule replaces the state’s prior ban on abortion procedures after the start of the third trimester.

While Scott spokesman John Tupps told the Tampa Bay Times the governor was happy to sign a bill that protects children, some are not so pleased with the measure. Planned Parenthood’s Dr. Sujatha Prabhakaran told the paper the restrictions could put women’s lives at risk if they face complications.

The new law essentially restricts abortions if a doctor deems a fetus could survive outside the womb, but does have an exception if the mother’s life is at risk or to prevent permanent damage to a mother’s major bodily functions, The Washington Post reported.

The new law goes into effect July 1.

Other measures signed June 13 include a bill that enables private companies to more easily sell flood insurance in the state, a bill that adds unsolicited text messages to the state's Do Not Call program and a bill of rights for homeowners who file insurance claims.

What are your thoughts about the state’s new abortion rules?