© 2024 WFSU Public Media
WFSU News · Tallahassee · Panama City · Thomasville
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Gov. Scott Signs Abortion Waiting Period Bill

MGN Online

Governor Rick Scott signed a number of bills into law Wednesday, including a controversial abortion bill.

Opponents, like Senate Democratic Leader Arthenia Joyner (D-Tampa), say mandating a woman wait 24-hours before she gets an abortion is just another impediment to a woman’s right to choose.

“When a woman decides that this is the procedure that she wants to have, she doesn’t need another 24-hours because she’s already given it long, serious thought because this is important,” said Joyner. “And, now for the Governor to sign a bill that creates a major imposition for a lot of women who will have to come from far away just to have the procedure. Now, they have the added expense staying somewhere, someone to keep the kids, missing their job. I mean, it’s ridiculous.”

But, Sen. Anitere Flores (R-Miami), who sponsored the bill, disagrees.

“I’m grateful that the Governor has allowed this bill to come into law,” said Flores. “This bill simply allows women to have a 24-hour time period to reflect over having this major decision that will have long-term consequences, not just physically, but mentally as well. And, so, before going into this major, medical procedure, give women a moment and some time to reflect as to the consequences—both positive and negative—and so, I’m grateful that we’ll be joining several other states that have similar waiting periods.”

The bill’s approval comes as new stats show abortions in Republican-led states pushing for abortion restrictions have decreased. That includes Florida, which dropped by ten percent in the last four years.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.