In the News
ICYMI: ‘A nightmare’: Tampa Bay lawmakers, advocates respond to Sen. Scott’s stance on abortion rights
ICYMI: ‘A nightmare’: Tampa Bay lawmakers, advocates respond to Sen. Scott’s stance on abortion rights
Tampa, FL — Today, women leaders from Tampa and St. Petersburg called out Rick Scott for his support of Florida’s near-total abortion ban. The speakers responded to Scott again backing the ban in an interview this week, during which he said “If I was the sitting governor, and the six-week abortion ban came in front of me, I would sign it. I’ve always said I would sign it.”
Read the full article and watch the press conference here. See key excerpts below:
WFLA News: ‘A nightmare’: Tampa Bay lawmakers, advocates respond to Sen. Scott’s stance on abortion rights
– Democrats slammed the former Florida Governor’s record on abortion and responded to a recent interview where he indicated that, if he were still in the position, he would have approved the six-week abortion ban that will soon take effect.
– “We’re standing up here because we know, and make no mistake, that the reproductive rights of millions of women in Florida are on the line this November, not just on Amendment 4, but up and down the ballot,” Rep. Lindsay Cross said. “From Rick Scott, to Republicans in Tallahassee, none of them support your right to choose.”
– “It started with a 15-week ban, but in just a few short days, Florida will be pushed back into the dark ages with a six week abortion ban,” Rep. Dianne Hart said.
– Shepard practiced in Tampa for 40 years, delivering 7,500 babies in the region. […] Dr. Shephard called the six-week abortion ban “archaic,” “dangerous,” and “a nightmare.” It’s the worst piece of legislation I’ve ever seen come out of Tallahassee, and Sen. Rick Scott supports it,” Dr. Shephard said. “He previously said he would sign it into law, and yesterday, he doubled down again.”
– Florida Democrats are pointing to Scott’s pro-life record as he seeks reelection in 2024. Democrats credited their successes in the 2022 midterms to reinvigorated support for abortion rights after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
– Sen. Scott’s press team did not immediately respond to a request for comment.