Florida Senate Passes Controversial 6-Week Abortion Ban Despite Protests and Religious Concerns

The Florida Senate passed a bill banning most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, with limited exceptions for victims of rape or incest up until 15 weeks of pregnancy. The bill also requires medical abortion pills to be dispensed in person by a physician and bans abortion care by telehealth. House Republicans are expected to approve their own version of the bill, and Governor DeSantis is likely to sign the final bill into law. The six-week ban is part of a larger trend of states moving to restrict abortion rights, and Governor DeSantis' policies may preview his national platform as he is expected to launch a presidential campaign.