
Culture & Conversation Abortion
This law was last updated on Oct 12, 2016
SB 1056
Failed to Pass
Feb 20, 2013
Primary Sponsors: 1
Total Sponsors: 1
SB 1056 would ban abortion outright unless certain requirements are met, including:
The bill would prohibit anyone not a physician from performing an abortion and would require that abortions be performed in a hospital or other medical establishment.
Informed Consent
The bill states that a physician may not perform an abortion without the voluntary and written informed consent of the patient, court-appointed guardian of a mentally-incompetent patient, or a minor’s parent or legal guardian. The physician must personally inform the patient or the patient’s guardian of the following:
The bill states that a physician performing an abortion must provide to patients or their guardians printed materials prepared by the Florida Department of Health which includes:
The bill would also require physicians performing an abortion to provide patients or their guardians with information regarding adoption and a statewide list of attorneys available to provide volunteer legal services for adoption.
Penalty
A violation of the above provisions of this bill would be a felony, and the maximum penalty would be life in prison.
Quasi-Conscience Clause
The bill would allow health care providers and institutions to refuse to participate in terminating a pregnancy and would immunize them from liability for the refusal. The bill would also prevent any kind of disciplinary action or recrimination against a person based on their refusal. This provision mirrors conscience clauses that have been introduced in other states (Pennsylvania, for example) although the bill does not tie the refusal to provide an abortion to conscience.
Insurance Coverage Ban
The bill would amend the restriction on use of public funds for abortion to remove the exception for rape, incest, and health of the mother. If passed, Florida law would prohibit public funds for abortion without exception.
STATUS
Companion bill to HB 395. The Florida Life Act has been introduced in successive legislative sessions dating back at least to 2010. The bill has never passed and is unconstitutional.
Primary Sponsor