A Heartbeat bill in Texas was just passed and put into effect. This bill prevents abortion after 6 weeks of pregnancy, before most women even know they are pregnant, and does not make any exception for rape or incest. This can also impact ectopic pregnancies and miscarriages. Under the law, a private citizen can sue anyone who aided in the abortion for damages of up to $10,000 and legal fees. The Supreme Court of The United States has refused to block the ban when emergency relief was sought after only 72 hours of review and no oral argument.  However, the decision left open the option for abortion providers to challenge the Texas law in other ways in the future, meaning the case possibly – or even likely – will return to the Supreme Court, but probably not for months or longer.  The Supreme Court said “in reaching this conclusion [i.e. not to enjoin enforcement of the Texas statute] we stress that we do not purport to resolve definitively any jurisdictional or substantive claim in the applicant’s lawsuit.”

Yesterday, on September 1st, 2021, Florida State Representative Anthony Sebatini tweeted  "It's time to pass the Texas 'Heartbeat' Bill in Florida - stay tuned. #ProLife". Bills like these are contrary to the United States Supreme Court decision under Roe v. Wade.  They are a complete and blatant attack on women and healthcare, and have found a temporary hideout in the deputizing of private citizens to punish human beings who have the right to make the decision of their own private medical care. They will not stop abortions, only access to safe abortions. If stopping abortion were the plan, access to education and contraception would be included in these bills, but they are not. So, as Floridians, let us make it clear to our representatives. We do not want a heartbeat bill in Florida. Help our state prevent the undoing of great legislative work that thousands of women worked for years to achieve.