Tampa Republic

On April 23, the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, a nonprofit organization, published a full-page advertisement in the Tampa Bay Times to commend Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for enacting the Heartbeat Protection Act.  

"Florida is putting mothers and babies first," the ad read.

DeSantis has signed Senate Bill 300 into law, which aims to protect the lives of unborn babies with beating hearts and allocate $25 million to support expectant mothers and their families. A recent survey conducted by Ragnar reveals that 62% of likely voters in Florida support the governor's decision to enact the Heartbeat Protection Act. The legislation is particularly popular among Hispanics, with 76% expressing their support, and it also has the backing of 61% of Independents and 58% of women, the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America organization said in a news release.  

DeSantis has endorsed pro-life legislation in the past, his office said in a news release. In 2022, the governor gave his approval to a bill that seeks to promote dedicated fatherhood through several initiatives, along with a bill that offers assistance to foster families and children. The previous year, DeSantis enacted a statute that extends the eligibility period for Medicaid coverage for postpartum women from 60 days to 12 months following childbirth, which is said to play a critical role in reducing maternal mortality risk, according to a press release.

“We are proud to support life and family in the state of Florida,” DeSantis said, according to the news release. “I applaud the Legislature for passing the Heartbeat Protection Act that expands pro-life protections and provides additional resources for young mothers and families.”  

SB 300 also allocates funds for pregnancy centers to support women during and after pregnancy, according to Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America. Pregnancy centers offer a range of free services, such as pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, parenting classes, a range of other necessary services and essential resources. The bill broadens eligibility for support programs to include adoptive families, and allows for the funding of educational and employment resources. It also includes exceptions for situations such as rape, incest, human trafficking and life of the mother, and prohibits the mailing of dangerous abortion pills, according to Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America.