The “Heartbeat Protection Act” is a type of anti-abortion legislation that has been proposed in several states in the United States, including Florida. These bills typically seek to ban abortions once a fetal heartbeat can be detected, which is usually around six weeks into a pregnancy.
Senate Bill 300, titled the “Heartbeat Protection Act,” prohibits abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, with exceptions for abortions that risk the life of a mother and abortions up to fifteen weeks for pregnancies caused by instances of rape, incest or human trafficking.
The bill makes it a third-degree felony for physicians or anyone who “actively participate(s) in” an abortion in violation of the ban. It also prohibits state funds being used in any way to help a woman get an abortion from another state, and using “telehealth” or mail to receive abortion medication.
The governor’s office released a photo of DeSantis signing the bill surrounded by several dozen lawmakers.
“We are proud to support life and family in the state of Florida,” DeSantis said in a statement. “I applaud the legislature for passing the Heartbeat Protection Act that expands pro-life protections and provides additional resources for young mothers and families.”
Signed the Heartbeat Protection Act, which expands pro-life protections and devotes resources to help young mothers and families. pic.twitter.com/quZpSj1ZPk
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) April 14, 2023
The latest polling on the proposal by the University of North Florida in late February found that 75% of state residents either somewhat or strongly opposed the six-week ban, including 61% of Republicans.
Former President Donald Trump’s supporters see some ability to try to hang what they see as an unpopular bill around the neck of DeSantis, who is not expected to announce his candidacy until May or June if he runs.
On May 25, 2021, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law a bill that bans abortions in the state after a fetal heartbeat can be detected, which is typically around six weeks into a pregnancy. The bill also includes provisions that would prevent abortions in cases where a doctor determines that a fetus can survive outside the womb, with exceptions for medical emergencies.
The bill, known as SB 8, is one of several so-called “heartbeat bills” that have been passed by conservative state legislatures in recent years, with the goal of challenging the landmark 1973 Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion nationwide.
The bill has been met with criticism from reproductive rights advocates and Democrats, who argue that it infringes on women’s rights to make their own medical decisions and could put women’s health and lives at risk. Supporters of the bill, including Governor DeSantis, have praised it as a victory for the rights of the unborn and a step towards protecting the sanctity of life.
BREAKING: Former Nevada AG Adam Laxalt, a longtime Donald Trump ally, will serve as the chairman of the Never Back Down Super PAC, a committee that is encouraging Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to seek the Republican Presidential nomination in 2024. pic.twitter.com/Y0DrlNi90b
— Proud Elephant 🇺🇸🦅 (@ProudElephantUS) April 22, 2023
However, the bill is likely to face legal challenges, as similar laws in other states have been struck down by the courts as unconstitutional. The Supreme Court is also set to hear a case in its upcoming term that could provide an opportunity for the court to revisit and potentially overturn Roe v. Wade.
“Ron DeSantis has tried to create an image of never backing down,” said a former Trump adviser, invoking the name of a pro-DeSantis super PAC called “Never Back Down,” which has so far reported having raised $30 million. “Well, he’s definitely pregnant with this bill, and it’s well past six weeks — so maybe ironically he’s also going to live by the consequences of his actions.”
The super PAC “Friends of Ron DeSantis” is commonly known as the “Ron DeSantis Never Back Down PAC”. The PAC was formed in 2015 to support DeSantis’ political campaigns, and has been instrumental in raising funds and mobilizing support for the Florida Governor.
The name “Never Back Down” reflects DeSantis’ reputation as a tough, uncompromising political figure who is not afraid to take on his opponents. The PAC has been particularly active in supporting DeSantis’ conservative agenda, including his efforts to limit immigration, protect gun rights, and oppose critical race theory in schools.
The PAC has also been involved in supporting other Republican candidates and causes in Florida and around the country. As a Super PAC, it is able to raise and spend unlimited amounts of money to support its political goals, although it is required to disclose its donors and expenditures to the Federal Election Commission.
The legal battle over the Florida abortion ban is ongoing, and it remains to be seen how it will ultimately affect people in the coming months.
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