Election 2024

Ron DeSantis Signs Florida 6-Week Abortion Ban Into Law

The new Florida law will ban abortions at six weeks but will make exemptions for rape and incest up to 15 weeks of pregnancy.

Stephen Anderson

Published

April 13, 2023

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation Thursday that would ban most abortions after six weeks in Florida, a move that will likely be a major talking point in the upcoming 2024 presidential election.

The new Florida law will ban abortions at six weeks but will make exemptions for rape and incest up to 15 weeks of pregnancy. However, it does not change existing exemptions for life and the health of the mother up to 15 weeks.

“We are proud to support life and family in the state of Florida,” DeSantis said in a statement. “I applaud the Legislature for passing the Heartbeat Protection Act that expands pro-life protections and provides additional resources for young mothers and families.”

DeSantis signed the bill just hours after the Legislature passed it earlier Thursday but waited until late in the evening to announce it at 11 pm, likely due to polls showing a ban on abortions at six weeks of pregnancy is unpopular in both political parties.

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

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Democrats will likely use DeSantis’ latest move in the upcoming 2024 election after their success in the midterm elections last year centering on the issue of abortion. A poll conducted by the University of North Florida shows 75% of state residents either somewhat or strongly opposed the six-week ban, including 61% of Republicans.

Florida’s decision to put a six-week ban on abortions caught the attention of the White House, a signal President Joe Biden could use the move against the Florida governor should DeSantis seek the GOP nomination in next year’s election.

“The President and Vice President believe women should be able to make healthcare decisions with their doctors and families — free from political interference,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement. “They are committed to protecting access to reproductive care, and continue to call on Congress to restore the protections of Roe v. Wade in federal law.”

Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump’s campaign used the opportunity to attack DeSantis over the move in an attempt to deepen his unpopularity.

“Ron DeSantis has tried to create an image of never backing down,” said a former Trump adviser. “Well, he’s definitely pregnant with this bill, and it’s well past six weeks — so maybe ironically he’s also going to live by the consequences of his actions.”

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