‘Disability abortions’ targeted in Florida House bill

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A House Republican is trying to ban abortions that women seek because of tests showing that fetuses will have disabilities.

Rep. Erin Grall, R-Vero Beach, filed the bill (HB 1221) on Tuesday for consideration during the legislative session that will start March 2.

The bill targets what are described as “disability abortions,” which would involve situations in which physicians know pregnant women are seeking abortions because fetuses will have disabilities.

Such disabilities would include such things as physical disabilities, intellectual or mental disabilities or Down syndrome.

In the US, 65% of fetuses diagnosed with Down Syndrome are terminated. In countries like Iceland and Denmark, it’s nearly 100%.

For Ryan Sprague, the issue is personal.

“My oldest son who just recently turned 17, has cerebral palsy,” Sprague said.

Sprague runs a pregnancy information and help center in the state’s capital.

He hopes the legislation sparks a conversation.

“I don’t think it says a good thing for our society if we’re choosing who gets to live and who doesn’t get to live based on a quality of life issue that we determine is unworthy of life,” Sprague said.

The legislation would not make a mother criminally liable for having a disability abortion, but the physician would face a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Opponents like Laura Goodhue with Planned Parenthood argue it is blatantly unconstitutional.

“Families that are facing these very deeply personal decisions don’t want the state of Florida or politicians interfering. And it should really be decisions that are made between doctors and pregnant people themselves,” said Goodhue.

Pro-choice advocates call the legislation yet another attempt to bring a case before the U.S. Supreme Court that could overturn Roe v Wade.

“Roe v Wade has been the law of the land for 48 years, but opponents to safe and legal abortion are not lacking in Florida,” said Goodhue.

Even Sprague doubts the legislation would hold up in court, but he believes the fact it was filed at all sends a strong message.

“I think it is good for us to protect those who are in most need of protection,” said Sprague.

Last year the disability abortion legislation didn’t get a hearing.

It’s yet to be seen if the Legislature has a greater appetite to take on such a controversial topic this year.

The bill would provide an exception for an abortion “that is necessary to save the life of a mother whose ife is endangered by a physical disorder, illness, or injury, provided that no other medical procedure would suffice for that purpose.”