Following hours of fiery debate that included accusations of female infanticide and eugenics, the House passed a bill that would ban abortions based on sex or gender by 71-44 on Thursday. It was the third successful abortion bill to pass the House in two days.
House Bill 845, sponsored by Rep. Charles Van Zant, R-Keystone Heights, would require a doctor to sign an affidavit that a woman is not seeking an abortion based on sex or gender. A person who performs, or “actively participates” in a sex/gender abortion can be charged with a third-degree felony; not reporting a sex/gender abortion can also result in a fine up to $10,000.
In his closing statement, Van Zant said the bill is necessary because “race and sex selection abortion is prevalent throughout America, including Florida,” though no specific figures were provided. Van Zant said the bill fights “female infanticide” and ended up leveling accusations against Planned Parenthood and “other abortionists.”
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