Anti-Choice Bill Reintroduced in Florida Legislature
State-level legislation was reintroduced in the Florida legislature Wednesday that would require women who are seeking an abortion to have an ultrasound and the option to view the images prior to the procedure. The bill would also require doctors to share information with the patient on fetal development. A similar bill was defeated last year in the state Senate in a 20 to 20 tie vote, according to the Palm Beach Post.
According to the Miami Herald, the bill contains exceptions for medical emergencies and in cases of trafficking, domestic violence, rape, or incest.
Supporters of the legislation argue that the legislation would enable women to make a more informed decision. The legislation's opponents argue that this bill and others like it put unnecessary hurdles in place while also chipping away at abortion rights established in current law. Democratic state Representative Kelly Skidmore told the Palm Beach Post that "the doctor makes a decision of whether an ultrasound is necessary….I don't believe that is the role of the legislature."
Media Resources: Miami Herald 3/19/09; Palm Beach Post 3/18/09
6/19/2013 House Passes 20 Week Abortion Ban - Yesterday, the House of Representatives approved a nationwide abortion ban after 20 weeks gestation in a vote of 228 to 196. . . .
6/18/2013 Supreme Court Strikes Down Proof of Citizenship Voter Requirements - On Monday, the United States Supreme Court struck down an Arizona law requiring voters to provide proof of citizenship before being allowed register to vote.
In an opinion written [PDF] by Justice Antonin Scalia, the Court ruled that the Arizona statute violated the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA, also known as the "Motor Voter Law") of 1993, which created a federal form that individuals can mail in to register to vote in federal elections. . . .
