Dear Friend,
Today, the near-total abortion ban passed its first hurdle in the Republican-controlled legislature. HB7, the Republican's 6-week abortion ban, passed out of the House Healthcare Regulation Subcommittee on a party-line vote.
It is unconscionable that Florida Republicans have made it their top priority to play politics with our personal healthcare decisions. This is a disgraceful attack on our reproductive rights and is completely out of step with the majority of Floridians who support the freedom to make our own medical decisions.
This cruel legislation shows why our mission is more urgent than ever. We are grateful to our Democratic pro-choice women legislators on the committee, Minority Ranking Member Rep. Robin Bartleman, Rep. Christine Hunchofsky, Rep. Kelly Skidmore, and Rep. Allison Tant for doing everything in their power to fight back against this abhorrent bill.
Although the road ahead of us will be difficult, Ruth's List's reproductive rights champions are fighting tooth and nail to defeat this bill.
Rep. Allison Tant introduced an amendment to remove the two-doctor requirement, and Rep. Kelly Skidmore spoke out strongly on the the rape and incest exception barriers in the ban.
"I think we have to stop shaming victims. Stop putting them through this crime twice by not believing them." -- @skidmorekelly
We cannot overstate it, Friend, elections have consequences. That's why we need your help now to build our resources for the fight ahead. Will you make a donation today to help us elect more reproductive rights champions? We can't do this without you.
Onward,
