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Governor Holds Ceremonial Signing of Anti-Abortion Bills

Aug. 01, 2011 | WMFE - Governor Rick Scott signed four laws that place new restrictions on women seeking abortions in Florida. The governor had already signed the bills into law once and they took effect on July 1st.

 
Saturday’s ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion was for the benefit of the lawmakers who supported the legislation and the anti-abortion groups who backed them.
Dozens of anti-abortion activists gathered to watch Governor Scott sign the bills including representatives from Florida Right to Life, the Florida Family Council, the Florida Catholic Conference and The Florida Baptist Convention.

Scott said the new laws are meant to protect mothers and Florida taxpayers as well as unborn children.

“The first bill protects taxpayers from state and federal dollars being used to fund abortions. The second bill better directs funds from the ‘Choose Life’ specialty license plate to assist pregnant women in making an adoption plan for their children.” Scott explained. “The next bill ensures that the parents of a minor seeking an abortion are informed of their child’s decision and, most importantly, every patient getting an abortion in Florida will be offered the opportunity to view ultrasound images and be fully informed.” 

But abortion rights groups say the new law does more than offer ultrasound scans, it requires them and they say that’s unconstitutional. Planned Parenthood, the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida and other groups also question the constitutionality of the other anti-abortion laws and have threatened lawsuits to stop the new laws but, so far, no legal action has been filed.

 


 

 

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