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The abortion debate is heating up in Florida

Anti-abortion activists see an opportunity to pass restrictions in Florida. But there’s a catch.
 
Published Dec. 20, 2021|Updated Dec. 20, 2021

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TALLAHASSEE — This upcoming legislative session, expect abortion to be a major talking point.

Because the U.S. Supreme Court has declined to strike down a Texas law banning most abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy, anti-abortion activists see an opportunity to pass a restrictive law in Florida.

But there’s a catch. New legislation would mean doing battle with the state’s constitution, which state judges have historically said contains strong abortion protections.

The courts are still weighing abortion laws passed in Texas and Mississippi, too. Those cases could have major implications for Florida.

No specific abortion legislation has yet been endorsed by Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, or House speaker Chris Sprowls, R-Palm Harbor, but lawmakers have signaled more restrictions are coming.

Florida’s legislative session begins Jan. 11.

If you have an idea for a topic you’d like explained, email Kirby Wilson at kwilson@tampabay.com.