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Controversial Abortion Bills Pass Florida House

MGN Online

A couple of abortion-related bills passed the Florida House Friday. Representative Larry Ahern’s (R-Seminole) bill makes it a separate crime to kill or injure the fetus at any stage of development, during an attack against the mother.

But, Rep. Lori Berman (D-Lantana) says there are unintended consequences to passing such a bill.

“You could have a woman playing soccer and her friend or someone she didn’t know accidentally kicks her in the stomach and causes a miscarriage. That woman could be subject to jail time,” said Berman.

The measure is in part inspired by a woman whose ex-boyfriend tried to abort their baby by disguising a drug he gave to her as an antibiotic. But, Ahern says even after he confessed, there’s no law on the books that provides justice for the woman.

“This is the moment for Florida to be sure that we extend the justice that’s necessary to protect, not just the mother, but the child she is carrying inside her from these monsters who would prey on pregnancy women, and their only reason for this is to kill that child,” said Ahern.

The bill passed the House 74-42. Meanwhile, a similar bill is also heading for a vote in the Senate. Another measure sponsored by Rep. Janet Adkins (R-Fernandina Beach) that passed the House essentially bans abortions after the viability of a fetus has been determined. It aims to change a law that bans abortions in the third trimester of pregnancy, with some exceptions.

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.