Florida Voice for the Unborn Calls on Immediate Special Session to Ban All Abortions in State
June 24, 2022 Updated 11:30 A.M. ET
TALLAHASSEE (FLV) – The pro-life group, Florida Voice for the Unborn, requested Gov. Ron DeSantis immediately call a Special Session to ban all abortions in Florida.
The U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and eliminated the constitutional right to an abortion Friday. The decision gives the states the authority to regulate abortions.
“This is an historic day for our nation and, in particular, the American pro-life movement. Florida Voice for the Unborn remains hopeful that Governor Ron DeSantis will indeed heed Florida Voice for the Unborn’s request for an immediate Special Legislative Session to consider a complete statutory ban on all abortions in Florida,” Executive Director Andrew Shirvell said.
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law earlier this year banning abortions after 15 weeks in almost all cases. The 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.
Ron DeSantis Signs 15 Week Abortion Ban
Florida House Speaker Chris Sprowls, R-Palm Harbor, said Friday the state must focus on the 15-week abortion ban clearing through state courts.
“In Florida, our attention must now shift to the state courts and the Florida Supreme Court as they evaluate HB 5 and determine its constitutionality here – an additional hurdle present in our state,” Sprowls said.
However, Shirvell said lawmakers should not be held “hostage” by what the state courts may or may not do.
“The Florida Supreme Court – like the U.S. Supreme Court – has moved in a much more conservative direction recently and is likely to eventually correct its misinterpretation of the Florida constitution so that Florida can thoroughly prohibit abortion,” Shirvell said.
“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.”
Supreme Court Overturns Roe v. Wade, Giving Steam to State Abortion Restrictions
The Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in a 6-3 decision.
“It is time to heed the Constitution and return the issue of abortion to the people’s elected representatives,” the majority opinion said.
“The Constitution does not prohibit the citizens of each State from regulating or prohibiting abortion.”
