Florida advances six-week abortion ban

Florida lawmakers on Thursday approved a proposal to ban abortion after six weeks of pregnancy, with an exception to save the life of the mother and stricter exceptions for rape or incest.

A state House committee decisively backed the proposal, putting it one step closer to a vote in the lower chamber, where it will likely succeed in the Republican-dominated legislature, ABC News reported.

Florida law currently bans abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy except to save a woman's life, though that ban faces judicial scrutiny. Should the courts uphold the existing ban, the proposal would ban abortion after six weeks, allowing exceptions for rape and incest up to 15 weeks. The existing exception to save the life of the mother would remain in place at all stages.

Republican state Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka sponsored the measure, saying of her plan that it "is not solely a reflection of my personal beliefs, but a result of listening in an attempt to build consensus around a policy that supports life," per the outlet.

"It’s a bill that recognizes the importance and value of the life of innocent, unborn human beings," she continued.

Opponents, however, observe that the six-week time limit leaves women with little time to get an abortion upon learning of their pregnancy.

A similar piece of legislation has been introduced in the state Senate. Republicans hold supermajorities in both chambers of the legislature and Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has backed the plan, meaning it will likely secure passage into law.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.