Florida protects unborn after six weeks, pending court ruling

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill Thursday night that would protect unborn babies after six weeks in most cases. The bill will only go into effect if the state Supreme Court upholds Florida’s current law that protects babies after 15 weeks. The new law makes exceptions in cases of rape, incest, and to save the life of the mother. In those excepted cases, the state would protect babies after 15 weeks. The new law also stipulates that abortion drugs only be dispensed in person or by a physician. 

How likely is the state Supreme Court to uphold the old law? DeSantis, a Republican, has appointed four of the six sitting justices on the court. He will soon appoint another justice since Justice Ricky Polston resigned last month. Many of the states near Florida protect unborn babies in most cases. Georgia protects the unborn after a heartbeat can be detected, while Alabama protects them in most cases.

Dig deeper: Read Leah Savas’ report in Vitals on the court case that’s protecting babies from drug-induced abortions.