Gov. Ron DeSantis signs controversial bill putting time restrictions on abortions

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a 15-week abortion ban into law Thursday as the state joined a growing conservative push to restrict access to the procedure ahead of a U.S. Supreme Court decision that could roll back abortion rights in America.

The law DeSantis signed Thursday also deals a blow to overall abortion access in the South, where Florida has provided wider access to the procedure than its regional neighbors.

“We are here today to protect life, we are here today to defend those who can’t defend themselves,” DeSantis said.

The bill was signed at a church in Kissimmee in front of a pro-life crowd.

The pro-life bill rolls back the right to an abortion to 15 weeks without exceptions for rape, incest or human trafficking.

Abortion would be legal if the mother’s life is threatened or the fetus has a fatal abnormality.

“We are blessed to be Floridians because behind me stands the most pro life governor in America,” Speaker of the House Chris Sprowls said.

There were cheers and tears as the governor signed the bill into law, but pro choice opponents are aghast.

Democrat Charlie Crist said, “Women deserve the right to make decisions about their own bodies. Period.”

Florida’s Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried called the bill “A despicable and disgusting attack on women.”

At this rally, a parade of pro-life women said the law is long overdue.

“The bill that the governor is signing today, this bill will save babies,” pro-life advocate Heather Barwick said.

The new law, will take effect July 1.