Florida's Republican Legislature Working Hard Today to Restrict Women's Reproductive Rights!

[flpoljunkie]

April 28, 2010

Senate adds second abortion measure to health care bill

The Senate added an amendment to a health care bill that would prohibit using state or federal dollars toward abortions in a 24-11 vote.

Critics said the measure would also prohibit women from paying for abortions through insurance policies provided by private employers who receive tax credits.

“I feel like I’m back in the House – and that was not meant as a compliment. This is not the way to do things,” said Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach.

He went on: “For all of your guys that are all for less government today is the more government and less freedom day. What you’re doing is invading the woman’s right to make a choice.”

Incoming Senate President Mike Haridopolos introduced the measure. Abortions performed to save a life or because the pregnancy resulted from rape or incest are exempt and could be paid for with public money.

“I do not think taxpayer dollars in one form or fashion should pay for abortions,” Haridopolos said.

Incoming minority leader Sen. Nan Rich predicted the measure would be the most important issue in the upcoming state elections.

“When each of you go home and campaign, I really can’t wait for the women to tell you what they think about this piece of legislation and this amendment,” Rich said.

Sen. John Thrasher, R-St. Augustine, said he would proudly tell constituents that he tried to save public money.

“They will be applauding us,” said Sen. Ronda Storms, R-Valrico.

It was the second abortion measure added to the bill Wednesday.

Posted by Cristina Silva at 01:21:46 PM on April 28, 2010

http://blogs.tampabay.com/buzz/2010/04/second-adds-second-abortion-restriction-to-health-care-bill-.html

[givemebackmycountry]

1. One track mind -

But if every time a woman had an abortion a barrel of oil shot out with the fetus, we would have drive through abortion clinics in every 7-11 nationwide.

Fuckers.

[flpoljunkie]

2. Weirdly gruesome picture you paint there, but you're absolutely right!

[flpoljunkie]

3. The first abortion amendment Republicans passed requires women have ultrasound before an abortion!

April 28, 2010
Abortion amendment passes in Senate

The Senate added an amendment to a health care bill Wednesday that would require women to have an ultrasound before getting an abortion in a heated 22-17 vote.

“I just don’t see the problem with having someone have a little more information before they make a decision,” said Sen. Alex Villalobos, R-Miami.

The measure also requires that the woman view the live ultrasound images. If the woman chooses not to view the ultrasound images, she must complete a form expressing that she declined to view the images of her own free will. Women who have been raped would be exempted, but they must first provide evidence that the crime occurred.

“I join women who say we are not little girls. We are adult women and we are making decisions. We can walk into a clinic and we can make a decision and we are not afraid of information,” said Sen. Ronda Storms, R-Valrico. “What this amendment does, it says I have a right to know all of the consequences.”

A handful of moderate Republicans questioned the measure.

During an earlier debate about whether the state should challenge the federal health care bill, Sen. Nancy Detert compared the two measures, “Since we are against being forced to buy health care, are we still forced to purchase an ultrasound?”

Democrats called the provision shameful. They claimed it infringes on women’s rights and could make abortions cost prohibitive for women who cannot afford an ultrasound.

“If we are talking about less government and more personal freedom why would we require a procedure that is not medically necessary?” said Sen. Chris Smith.

“It is actually, to me, the ultimate insult to women,” said Sen. Nan Rich. “It is saying that women can’t make up their own minds, can’t use their own judgment as to what they want to do with their bodies.”

Posted by Cristina Silva at 12:40:56 PM on April 28, 2010

http://blogs.tampabay.com/buzz/2010/04/abortion-amendment-passes-in-senate.html