During a private ceremony without prior notification, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law a bill that would ban most abortions in Florida after six weeks, a time before most women know they are pregnant.
The governor’s office sent out a news release shortly after 11 p.m. Thursday with a picture showing legislative leaders and about 50 other people cheering as he signed the bill in his office. Lawmakers had given final approval to the measure several hours before.
The governor’s office then sent out an updated schedule noting that the bill signing occurred at 10:45 p.m.
Signed the Heartbeat Protection Act, which expands pro-life protections and devotes resources to help young mothers and families. pic.twitter.com/quZpSj1ZPk
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) April 14, 2023“We are proud to support life and family in the state of Florida,” DeSantis said in the news release. “I applaud the Legislature for passing the Heartbeat Protection Act that expands pro-life protections and provides additional resources for young mothers and families.”
[ Q&A: What happens next with Florida's six-week abortion law ]
The law is contingent on the Florida Supreme Court ruling in favor of the 15-week ban approved by the Legislature and DeSantis in 2022. A pending lawsuit challenging that law contends it violates the privacy provisions of the Florida Constitution.
The privately held signing was in stark contrast to the hundreds of people who attended a public ceremony when DeSantis signed the 15-week bill at the Nación de Fe church in Kissimmee on April 14, 2022.
Democrats say there’s a reason for that.
“I can’t say I am surprised,” said state Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, in a statement. “DeSantis is a coward who doesn’t want Floridians to know about his extreme anti-abortion platform, which is why he signed this bill as quickly as possible and with no press coverage.”
The governor, widely considered a potential candidate for president next year, could struggle to win support from independent voters and others for signing what opponents say is a near-total ban on abortion and one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the nation.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
English (United States) ·