| Florida – The Florida National Organization for Women (NOW) strongly condemns the proposed amendment to Senate Bill 476, which seeks to establish fetal personhood and potentially ban all abortions in Florida. This amendment not only endangers the rights and autonomy of pregnant individuals but also subverts the efforts of Florida citizens seeking to put abortion rights on the ballot with a constitutional amendment in November. It would mark the first time in Florida policy that “unborn child” is defined, making the definition according to 775.021 (5) (e): “Homo sapiens, at any stage of development, who is carried in the womb.”
Granting legal personhood to fetuses poses a direct threat to reproductive rights and the democratic process. It undermines individuals’ rights to make decisions about their own bodies and medical care. Additionally, this amendment contradicts the will of Florida citizens who are working to ensure that abortion rights are protected and enshrined in the state constitution. Florida NOW is deeply concerned about the potential for women who miscarry to be charged with manslaughter, and partners of pregnant women to be charged with assault after intercourse. Florida NOW calls on all citizens to stand against this dangerous amendment and to contact their lawmakers to express their opposition. We must protect the rights of pregnant individuals and defend the integrity of our democratic institutions. Together, we can ensure that reproductive rights are upheld and that every individual has the freedom to make their own healthcare decisions. From Florida NOW President Debbie Deland: “Granting legal personhood to fetuses through this amendment is not just an attack on reproductive rights; it’s an affront to democracy. By potentially banning all abortions, this amendment disregards the will of Florida citizens who are working to protect and enshrine abortion rights in our state constitution. I urge all Floridians to join us in opposing this dangerous amendment and to contact their lawmakers to demand that our rights and our democratic process be respected.” |
