TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – There were dozens of angry women Tuesday in the state Capitol who were denied a chance to speak against a controversial 24-hour waiting period for abortions.
Only two speakers -- one for and one against -- got just seconds to make their case before the committee.
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The legislation requires a woman seeking an abortion to make not one, but two visits on different days to a doctor before the procedure can be performed.
Sen. Eleanor Sobel sought to allow the consultation to be by phone or electronic communication.
"She physically would not have to make those two trips," said Sobel. "It's a burden for many women, especially those who travel long distances."
More than 30 people signed up to speak. Just two got the chance.
"I had an abortion over 30 years ago and years later I came to regret that decision," said attorney Julia Costas.
"This will place our patients in difficult situations, having an unnecessary delay in care," said Christopher M. Estes, MD, of Planned Parenthood.
That prompted an outburst from the crowd, but the lack of testimony one way or the other didn't stop the committee from approving waiting period along party lines.
Terri Wonder drove five hours from Bradenton not to be heard.
"I just find it wrong," said Wonder. "It was purposely, obviously, purposely put just before lunch time to stifle free debate."
The legislation has two more committee stops, but one of those committees is chaired by the sponsor.
After the passage, supporters dressed in 1960s garb, when abortions were illegal, delivered petitions to both presiding officers, but got to see neither.
The House version of the legislation has its final committee hearing at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday.