DeSantis Says Florida Will ‘Expand Pro-Life Protections’ After Roe v. Wade Overturned

Published Jun. 24, 2022, 1:18 p.m. ET | Updated Jun. 24, 2022

Governor-elect Ron DeSantis speaking with attendees at the 2018 Student Action Summit hosted by Turning Point USA at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Fla. (Photo/Gage Skidmore)
Governor-elect Ron DeSantis speaking with attendees at the 2018 Student Action Summit hosted by Turning Point USA at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Fla. (Photo/Gage Skidmore)

June 24, 2022 Updated 1:18 P.M. ET

TALLAHASSEE (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis said Florida will work to expand pro-life protections after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade Friday in a 6-3 decision, which gives states the authority to regulate abortions.

“Florida will continue to defend its recently-enacted pro-life reforms against state court challenges, will work to expand pro-life protections, and will stand for life by promoting adoption, foster care and child welfare,” DeSantis said.

Earlier this year, the Governor signed legislation to ban abortions after 15 weeks in Florida. The new law is set to take effect on July 1st, but is facing a lawsuit. The Florida constitution recognizes a right to privacy, which could provide a hurdle for the law.

“The prayers of millions have been answered. For nearly fifty years, the U.S. Supreme Court has prohibited virtually any meaningful pro-life protection, but this was not grounded in the text, history or structure of the Constitution,” DeSantis said.

“By properly interpreting the Constitution, the Dobbs majority has restored the people’s role in our republic and a sense of hope that every life counts.”

The new Florida law says abortions are banned after 15 weeks unless two physicians certify in writing that, in reasonable medical judgement, the termination of the pregnancy is necessary to save a pregnant woman’s life or stop her from facing irreversible physical impairment other than a psychological condition. 

The law is being challenged in court by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on behalf of abortion rights groups like Planned Parenthood. 

“This law blatantly rejects Floridians’ need for essential abortion care and their strong support for the right to get an abortion,” Florida ACLU Legal Director Daniel Tilley said.

Florida Voice for the Unborn Calls on Immediate Special Session to Ban All Abortions in State

The pro-life group, Florida Voice for the Unborn, requested Gov. Ron DeSantis immediately call a Special Session to ban all abortions in Florida.

“NOW is the time for Governor DeSantis and the Legislature to act so that a full statutory ban is in place while any litigation in the state courts plays out,” Andrew Shirvell, the group’s executive director, said.

Reaction from Florida lawmakers poured in following the Supreme Court’s decision. Republican lawmakers said Florida will continue to “defend” life and applauded the SCOTUS decision giving states the authority to regulate abortions.

Republican State Lawmakers Say Florida Will ‘Defend Life,’ Agree With SCOTUS That States Should Regulate Abortions

State Democrats called the decision “devastating” and said it would encourage “underground” abortions.

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