DeSantis Will Appeal Ruling Against 15 Week Abortion Ban: ‘The Struggle For Life is Not Over’

June 30, 2022 Updated 1:39 P.M. ET

TALLAHASSEE (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office said the administration will appeal a Florida Judge’s decision to temporary block the state’s 15-week abortion ban.

Leon County Circuit Judge John Cooper said Thursday the state’s 15-week abortion ban is “unconstitutional” and said he would grant a statewide temporary emergency injunction to block the ban.

“While we are disappointed with today’s ruling, we know that the pro-life HB 5 will ultimately withstand all legal challenges,” a spokesperson for Governor DeSantis said.

Judge Cooper said House Bill 5 is unconstitutional because it violates the privacy provision of the Florida constitution. Even though the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Florida’s new law will face legal challenges in the state court system. The Florida constitution recognizes a right to privacy.

“The Florida Supreme Court previously misinterpreted Florida’s right to privacy as including a right to an abortion. We reject this interpretation because the Florida Constitution does not include–and has never included–a right to kill an innocent unborn child,” a spokesperson for the Governor said.

“We will appeal today’s ruling and ask the Florida Supreme Court to reverse its existing precedent regarding Florida’s right to privacy.  The struggle for life is not over.”

Florida’s 15-week abortion ban is set to go into effect Friday. Judge Cooper said the statewide temporary injunction to halt the ban will go into effect once he has a written and signed order. He said that will not happen Thursday.

Planned Parenthood centers in Florida and other reproductive health providers asked a Florida Judge to issue a temporary emergency injunction.