Ron DeSantis Signs Heartbeat Protection Act Into Law Cementing ‘Historic’ Pro-Family

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the Heartbeat Protection Act into law late Thursday night, which prohibits abortions in the state once an unborn child has a detectable heartbeat.

“We are proud to support life and family in the state of Florida,” DeSantis said. “I applaud the Legislature for passing the Heartbeat Protection Act that expands pro-life protections and provides additional resources for young mothers and families.”

A statement from the governor’s office highlighted how Left-wing states like California and New York have worked to legalize “infanticide up until birth,” while DeSantis has “enacted historic measures to defend the dignity of human life and transform Florida into a pro-family state.”

Florida Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez wrote on Twitter: “@GovRonDeSantis and I are proud to stand for the unborn.”

“By signing this legislation, our administration reaffirms its commitment to protecting innocent life and standing by strong families in Florida,” she added.

Signed the Heartbeat Protection Act, which expands pro-life protections and devotes resources to help young mothers and families. pic.twitter.com/quZpSj1ZPk

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) April 14, 2023

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The governor’s office highlighted aspects of the pro-family agenda that DeSantis has helped to implement in the state, including:

1. In 2022, Governor DeSantis signed groundbreaking legislation to encourage responsible and involved fatherhood in Florida through educational programs, mentorship programs, and one-on-one support.
2. In 2022, Governor DeSantis signed SB 7034, which expands support for foster parents and opportunities for foster children. In 2021, Governor DeSantis signed SB 2518, which helps reduce maternal mortality rates by extending postpartum eligibility for Medicaid from 60 days to 12 months post-delivery.
3. In addition to legislating pro-family policies, this year’s Framework for Freedom Budget includes permanent sales tax exemptions for baby and toddler necessities, including cribs and strollers, as well as tax holidays on children’s books, toys, athletic equipment, and pet food.

Some conservatives have expressed hesitation about DeSantis signing such an aggressive piece of pro-life legislation into law, wondering whether it could hurt his future political aspirations.

However, some notable conservative pundits online were quick to point out that other Republican governors who have signed similar pieces of legislation into law were not harmed politically afterward.

“Kemp signed a heartbeat bill in May, 6 months before defeating Stacey Abrams, who made abortion center to her campaign post Dobbs,” former CNN reporter Gabby Orr tweeted. “Similar case made here that a heartbeat bill might not actually harm DeSantis in 2024 to the extent critics believe it will.”

AG Conservative, a popular Twitter account, responded to Orr’s tweet: “Same was true of DeWine in Ohio, who won by 25.”

“Abortion politics are complicated and often vary by area, but the places where the GOP really got punished on this issue are where candidates opposed exceptions or supported outright bans, not 1st trimester lines w exceptions,” he added.

Same was true of DeWine in Ohio, who won by 25.

Abortion politics are complicated and often vary by area, but the places where the GOP really got punished on this issue are where candidates opposed exceptions or supported outright bans, not 1st trimester lines w exceptions. https://t.co/AVSBH9vJua

— AG (@AGHamilton29) April 13, 2023

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