Florida lawmakers moving swiftly to pass controversial abortion bill

Lawmakers are moving quickly to pass a controversial abortion bill.

Discussion around the legislation took place on Tuesday for the Florida House bill that would ban nearly all abortions at 15 weeks.

State representatives on both sides are asking questions and grilling the sponsors of House Bill Five. This bill bans almost all abortions after 15 weeks, with no exceptions for rape and incest.

One question that was heard repeatedly “why 15 weeks?”

“Rep. Grall, is there a significance to the 15 weeks? How and why did you choose this number? Were medical experts asked?”

Representative Erin Grall (R- Indian River) had this to say, “There’s significant fetal development by the age of 15 weeks, but there is also a case in front of the US supreme court currently under consideration at 15 weeks.”

Representative Felicia Robinson (D- Miami-Dade) asked if any doctors were consulted. “Has any analysis been done, or can you tell me why someone would need an abortion after 15 weeks?” Robinson said.

Rep. Grall said, “I’m not sure why someone would need an abortion after 15 weeks, which is why the bill has been presented.”

There are only three exceptions to the 15-week rule. The first will be if the mother’s life is at risk, if it would cause the mother to lose major bodily function or if there is a fatal fetal abnormality. The fetal abnormality has to be cleared by two doctors.

Today’s question and answer session will turn into a debate on the House floor on Wednesday.