Democrats hit back after Florida GOP leaders promise Texas-style abortion restrictions

The day after Republican legislative leaders said they planned to bring Texas-style abortion restrictions to Florida, two House Democrats said they were mobilizing for a women’s rights fight that will continue until the 2022 election.

Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, and House Speaker Chris Sprowls, R-Palm Harbor, telegraphed their intent Thursday after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to block a Texas "fetal heartbeat" law that effectively bans abortions after six weeks and provides a financial reward for reporting violators.

On Friday, Democratic state Reps. Anna Eskamani of Orlando and Tracie Davis of Jacksonville participated in a teleconference with other advocates, hosted by Congressman and Democratic candidate for governor Charlie Crist of St. Petersburg.

Some on the call have provided reproductive health services in Florida since Roe v. Wade in 1973, the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision that created a constitutional right to abortion.

Read more: https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/politics/2021/09/03/democratic-leaders-warn-gop-abortion-plan-threat-womens-rights/5711284001/