Those in favor argue that unborn babies have to be protected because they cannot protect themselves. They point out that anything else with a heartbeat is considered alive so why would a baby not be? Advocates say people would not be ok with murdering a person outside the womb with a heartbeat so why is it ok to murder one inside the womb. Former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, now an anti-abortion advocate, said, “It’s not a piece of flesh. It’s not a bug. It’s not a parasite. It’s a little baby.” Supporters feel that abortions often lead to depression and can cause the woman physical harm. Maybe even keep them from being able to have a family later on in life. They point out that there are many families in this country who cannot have children and want them, adoption is always an option.

Those against argue that most women don’t even know that they are pregnant by the time the heartbeat starts, which is usually around 6 weeks gestation, leaving them with no options at all. Opponents also take issue with the fact that the bill does not include exceptions for rape.  This bill would interfere with a woman’s fundamental right to her own body. Many fear this bill would lead to a long and very costly court battle for the state.  Many fear this bill would lead to illegal back alley abortions because a woman found out too late that she was pregnant and became desperate. The bill stands to be yet another barrier for a woman attempting to access a safe and legal procedure.

FIND AND EMAIL YOUR OFFICIALS AT THESE OFFICES:

https://www.flgov.com/email-the-governor/

https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/representatives.aspx

https://www.flsenate.gov/senators/