Governor Rick Scott signs law prohibiting women from abortions if the foetus is deemed able to survive outside the womb

This article is more than 6 years old

This article is more than 6 years old

The Republican governor of Florida, Rick Scott, on Friday signed into law a bill prohibiting women from obtaining abortions if the fetus is deemed able to survive outside the womb.

The late-term abortion law, HB 1047, requires women seeking an abortion to consult a doctor to determine whether a fetus can survive. It replaces the current state law which prohibits women from obtaining abortions after 24 weeks of pregnancy unless their lives are at risk.

Critics say the new law further restricts women’s access to abortion.

“By signing this bill into law, Governor Rick Scott is taking Florida two steps backwards,” Planned Parenthood's Dr Sujatha Prabhakaran said in a statement.

“This law limits health exceptions and could risk women’s health and lives.”

One of Scott's potential opponents in this year's gubernatorial race, Democrat Nan Rich, called the law an “outrage” in a campaign email.



"Over the objections of nearly every group representing Florida women, this morning Rick Scott signed HB 1047, which places even more restrictions on women's access to reproductive choice," Rich said.

"Every time we let our guard down on protecting women, extremists go after our rights in Tallahassee."

Third-trimester abortions will only be allowed in the state if two doctors determine that ending the pregnancy could save the women's life or prevent her from suffering a substantial physical impairment, or one doctor certifies that an emergency procedure is necessary in an event where there is not another doctor available to consult.



Doctors who violate the law could face criminal charges or administrative discipline.



"Governor Scott is pro-life and was glad to sign this bill that protects the lives of children," spokesman John Tupps said in a statement.

The law will go into effect on 1 July. It was one of nearly 100 bills that Scott signed into law on Friday. The governor also signed bills that prohibit the sale of electronic cigarettes to minors and tighten regulations for charities.

The charities bill, HB 629, follows The Tampa Bay Times and Center for Investigative Reporting's ongoing, nationwide investigation into fraudulent charities.

