Fla. Gov. Vetoes Abortion Ultrasound Bill

Main Category: Abortion
Also Included In: MRI / PET / Ultrasound
Article Date: 15 Jun 2010 - 4:00 PDT

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Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (I) on Friday vetoed a bill (HB 1143) that would have required women to receive an ultrasound before an abortion, saying that the measure "places an inappropriate burden on women seeking to terminate a pregnancy," the New York Times reports. In a letter explaining his reasoning for the veto, Crist -- a candidate for the U.S. Senate -- said that his personal views on the issue -- which he has described as "pro-life" -- "should not result in laws that unwisely expand the role of government." He added that measures imposing financial and medical burdens on women seeking abortions "do not change hearts, which is the only true and effective way to ensure that a new life coming into the world is loved" (Cave, New York Times, 6/11).

The bill, which passed along party lines in the final days of the legislative session, would have required women to view ultrasounds and hear a description of the fetus, unless they signed a refusal form. Women who became pregnant after rape or incest would have been required to show proof of the incident before being able to opt out of the ultrasound. The measure also would have prohibited abortion coverage from any health insurance plan that received taxpayer funding (Hafenbrack, Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, 6/12).

According to Florida Today, there is "no chance" that the Legislature could override the veto. The bill passed the Senate on a 23-16 vote and the House 75-44 -- "well short" of the two-thirds required to override, Florida Today reports (Cotterell, Florida Today, 6/12). Supporters of the bill said they will reintroduce it in 2011, although the measure's success "will likely hinge on who wins" the gubernatorial race in the fall, the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel reports (Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, 6/12).

Crist's veto was praised by abortion-rights supporters, Florida Today reports. State Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda (D) said that the measure "was very unfair to women and also intrusive into a doctor and patient." She added that Crist "did the absolutely right thing" (Florida Today, 6/12).

According to the Times, the veto is Christ's latest effort to portray himself as a politically centered candidate for the U.S. Senate, after leaving the Republican Party in April to run as an independent (New York Times, 6/11).

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