ICYMI: Rep. Frankel Condemns Florida’s Six-Week Abortion Ban Taking Effect Today, Highlights Amendment on November Ballot

ICYMI: Rep. Frankel Condemns Florida's Six-Week Abortion Ban Taking Effect Today, Highlights Amendment on November Ballot

Washington, DC - Earlier today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) spoke on the House Floor to condemn Florida's near-total six-week abortion ban taking effect today, May 1st.

Below are Rep. Frankel's full remarks:

"Look at this map. Today is a dark day in the state of Florida because we join all these states that are in dark colors, as our draconian six-week abortion ban goes into effect, cutting access to abortion care in Florida and the South. It's essentially a total ban, because most women do not know they're pregnant before six weeks.

And listen, abortion is a deeply personal medical decision that politicians should not interfere with. And doctors should not have to face criminal prosecution for treating a patient.

We don't walk in other people's shoes. There are many reasons for an abortion. It could be birth control failure, rape, incest, or endangerment to [the pregnant person's] life. Protecting a woman's access to abortion is a freedom that only she should have.

The good news is that in November, Florida voters can defend this fundamental freedom, but until then, a dark cloud hovers over our so-called Sunshine State."

Last month, it was announced that Florida's November ballot will include an amendment that, if passed, will overrule the ban and enshrine the right to abortion up until fetal viability (about 24 weeks) in Florida's constitution. It will require a 60 percent vote to pass. Voters can visit votepalmbeach.gov to register to vote, request a mail-in ballot, and find their nearest voting location.

For a replay of Rep. Frankel's remarks, click here.

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