TAMPA, Fla. — Members of the Florida House of Representatives voted to pass House Bill 265, which requires parental consent for abortions.
The companion senate bill, SB 404, has already passed the Senate along partisan lines, and its expected passage in the House would send it to Governor Ron DeSantis' desk for his final signature.
House Bill 265 passed after a final vote of 75-43 in the House.
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Opponents of the bill fear it would lead to further restrictions on abortion beyond what is spelled out in the bill.
Supporters believe consent is especially important for young women making what they consider to be a life altering decision.
A group of pro-choice advocates planned to rally and hold a press conference in Tampa at the office of Rep. Jackie Toledo on Henderson Blvd. to talk about the dangers they believe are posed by the legislation.
Gov. Ron DeSantis urged lawmakers on the opening day of the 2020 legislative session to send a parental-consent measure to his desk.
Women in Tampa Bay are speaking up about the issue. Amy Weintraub with the group Progress Florida worries about the passage of the bill.
"It would be a big loss to the women of Florida who need access to the full spectrum of care including abortion. Abortion is a critical part of any modern healthcare system. To deny women that right is just wrong and unconstitutional," she explained.
Rose Llauget, the director of pregnancy and adoption services for Catholic Charities, disgrees.
"To give an aspirin in school, you need parental consent. If you want a piercing other than your ears, you need consent. Same with a tattoo. Here you have an invasive, life-ending decision that you're asking a child to make without parental consent."
