Congressional hearing in Ft Lauderdale sets tone for November 2024 ballot
Linda Y. Walters
Earlier this week, House Democratic leaders held a meeting in Ft. Lauderdale regarding women’s reproductive rights following the Supreme Court’s decision on the availability of the abortion pill.
At the meeting, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra emphatically said, “We want the courts to overturn this reckless decision.”
Becerra, who is described as a staunch advocate for women’s rights recently stated, “The Florida Supreme Court ruling today puts women in danger.” The Secretary added, “the impact will be devastating.”
Dr. Ian Joseph Bishop, a Miami-Dade physician, testified Florida’s 15 week abortion ban is making his colleagues choose between caring for pregnant women who are facing medical danger and abiding by a restrictive state law. “I’m compelled by my conscience to provide abortion,” Bishop told lawmakers. Bishop added, “but not being able to help a person in front of me is devastating.”
Stephanie Loraine Piñerio, Executive Director of the Florida Access Network said the new law coupled with a 24-hour waiting period for abortion will be a “total ban” in practical terms. She added that the average cost of an abortion, including transportation, lodging, meals, clinic fees and child care will now be approximately $4,000. This is twice the current cost.
“In the final analysis, the discussion has reached the point where a bipartisan conversation within the House will entertain votes are taken on bills having substantial support by both parties,” House Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced. Jeffries also called Florida’s six week ban “cruel, dangerous and extreme.”
Although Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis ruled 6 – 1 to uphold the state’s new ruling, voters will have the opportunity to vote on the issues surrounding the hotly contested ban on abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.
The discussion appears to be ongoing and is expected to be revisited by states affected by the new ban.
