Florida bill would make abortion punishable by life in prison

Headshot of Rep. Charles Van Zant
Rep. Charles Van Zant wants to criminalize abortion

Oh, Florida.

Sponsored by Rep. Charles Van Zant (R-Palatka), HB 1097 would criminalize abortion, and make for no exceptions for rape or incest. And then there’s this:

Except in cases where a woman’s life is considered in danger, doctors who perform abortions would face first degree felonies punishable by up to life in prison and civil fines.

Now obviously I don’t think anyone should be put in prison over abortion, but I do find it interesting that this bill focuses on abortion providers – not the women obtaining abortions.

It reminds me of this video that asked anti-choice protesters how much prison time a woman should get for procuring an abortion. The protesters pretty much couldn’t answer not only because some had never even thought about it (!), but also because the general anti-choice sentiment is that women are victims of abortion. That we’re too stupid or naive to realize that when we’re getting an abortion, we’re getting an abortion. (Hence all of the ultrasound laws that exist to “remind” us.)

In any case, if you’d like to let Rep. Van Zant know what you think of his bill, you can email him here.

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