Call to Action: Tell Charlie Crist to Stand for Life, Sign HB 1143

Friends,

The people of Florida elected Governor Crist with the understanding that he has a fundamental belief in the sanctity of human life. As a self-proclaimed “pro-life” governor, we trust Charlie Crist to make decisions that reflect this belief and will protect innocent human life.

Now Charlie Crist has a bill on his desk that gives him the opportunity to do just that! HB 1143 would provide parents considering aborting their child with additional information to review before terminating a healthy pregnancy.

But today, Charlie Crist said he plans to veto this common-sense informational legislation “sooner rather than later.” He’s even removed the Pro-Life/Family section of his website.

It’s important that we make our voices heard and encourage the Governor to take important steps that could protect the lives of the most vulnerable among us – unborn children.

Call and e-mail Governor Crist at (850) 488-7146 or Charlie.Crist@myflorida.com. Urge Governor Crist to sign HB 1143 into law!

Being pro-life is more than a political position. Being pro-life means that we should support leaders who will defend unborn life, and that we should work to bring an end to abortion in our society through changes in law, and by praying for mothers and families considering terminating a pregnancy.

Right now abortion is a choice in our country, but it’s not the only choice. HB 1143 will provide parents with important information that may increase the likelihood that they will instead choose life for thier child.

Governor Crist said he was pro-life, and now it’s time to DO something pro-life. Please call or e-mail Governor Crist today!

Warmest Regards,

John Thrasher

JUST THE FACTS
Right now abortion is legal in the United States and here in Florida. HB 1143 doesn’t change that fact, but it does provide the opportunity for a change of heart by providing parent’s considering abortion with more information about their unborn child.

State law already requires ultrasounds for abortions performed in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of a pregnancy. HB 1143 would also require an ultrasound for abortions in the 1st trimester.

HB 1143 would provide women the opportunity to view their ultrasound before undergoing an abortion if they choose to. The bill does not force a woman to view her ultrasound nor listen to an oral description of it. The woman can decline this opportunity by simply signing a form.

Section 390.0111 of the bill, line 512 states: The woman has a right to decline to view the ultrasound images after she is informed of her right and offered an opportunity to view them. If the woman declines to view the ultrasound images, the woman shall complete a form, as determined by department rule, acknowledging that she was offered an opportunity to view her ultrasound but that she rejected that opportunity.

Florida law already requires that a woman be informed of the gestational age of the fetus before she undergoes an abortion. This legislation would continue this practice but require that the provider verify the gestational age through an ultrasound. The gestational age is the only ultrasound information the woman is required to hear. Other than the gestational age, the woman can decline to hear an explanation of the ultrasound if she chooses.

The Florida Legislature determined that HB 1143 does not place undue financial hardship on women seeking an abortion. According to a Senate Staff Analysis, at least 82% of the licensed abortion providers in the state already require a woman seeking an abortion in the first trimester to have an ultrasound.

In the overwhelming majority of abortion procedures, an ultrasound is already required and already part of the cost. An ultrasound prior to an abortion is a medically necessary and safety precaution for the patient. An ultrasound is routinely used by abortion providers to confirm the pregnancy, determine the gestational age of the fetus, and determine if any unusual circumstances exist.