In the News
The History of Ron DeSantis’ Attacks on Reproductive Freedom
While the country grapples with the Supreme Court’s recent devastating decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and throw the decision to the states, Floridians should know Governor DeSantis’ long anti-choice history and efforts to restrict women’s reproductive freedom at every turn including most recently signing a dangerous abortion ban and releasing an ominous statement vowing to enact even more unpopular restrictions on reproductive freedom.
Democratic Party spokesperson Kobie Christian: “The Court’s decision in Dobbs is especially dangerous in Florida where Governor DeSantis has a long record as a politician of attacking women’s reproductive freedoms and using his office to interfere in health decisions between women and their doctors. In November, Floridians will have a chance to protect reproductive freedoms by denying Governor DeSantis a second term in office.”
Here’s a look into Ron DeSantis’ long track record of attacking reproductive freedom:
2022
- Governor DeSantis signed an abortion ban into law that narrowed the window to practice reproductive freedom from 24 to 15 weeks with no exceptions for rape, incest, or instances of human trafficking, despite the efforts of Democrats in the legislature.
- After a Draft Supreme court ruling leaked that would overturn Roe Vs Wade, Ron DeSantis remained suspiciously silent on the impending removal of rights from all women.
- Floridians made their view on Reproductive freedom known with an overwhelming majority opposing DeSantis’ 15-week ban and nearly 70% saying they agree with Roe v. Wade.
- DeSantis vetoed funding for long-acting contraception in low-income communities in Florida again.
- Moments after the Supreme court overturned Roe Vs. Wade, Ron DeSantis released an ominous statement vowing to continue to restrict reproductive freedom without letting Floridians know what measures he would take.
2021
- Governor DeSantis showed interest in a Texas-Style abortion ban and signed onto an amicus brief encouraging the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade.
- DeSantis vetoed funding for long-acting contraception in low-income communities in Florida.
2020
- DeSantis signed a bill meant to trigger a legal challenge that would allow a reinterpretation of the Florida constitution’s privacy clause, which protects abortion access in the state.
2019
- As governor, DeSantis stacked Florida’s Supreme Court with anti-choice, right-wing judges, laying the groundwork to eliminate reproductive freedoms in the Florida Constitution.
2018
- In a debate during his 2018 primary campaign, DeSantis pledged to sign legislation to ban abortions “after a heartbeat is detected,” a direct challenge to Roe v. Wade.
2016
- As a member of the U.S House of Representatives, Ron DeSantis voted to defund Planned Parenthood three times and voted against an exception to a 20-week abortion ban when the mother’s life is at stake.
- During a brief run for U.S Senate, DeSantis was endorsed by extreme anti-choice advocate Phyliss Schlafly.
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