TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — If Florida’s proposed six-week abortion ban passes, rape survivors would be required to show proof of the crime if they want an exception allowing abortions up to 15 weeks.
Some religious groups support requiring victim to quote “verify” their assault while reproductive rights activists say it’s an undue burden on victims.
Victims would have up until 15 weeks to end a pregnancy rather than six, but only if they can provide evidence of the crime with legal paperwork, like a police report. Advocates say this “drastic” bill would only result in more harm to victims.
Two out of three rapes go unreported, according to Laura Goodhue from Planned Parenthood, which is why requiring proof would be an impractical hardship on victims.
“The burden of proof is really almost insurmountable,” Goodhue said. “They would have to submit a police report and submit themselves to further trauma and victimization.”
Senate Bill 300 slated might be heard Thursday, and Goodhue is already at the capitol with volunteers to advocate for victims.
“A lot of people, who are like younger, may not want to re-live that trauma,” Goodhue said. “And it’s just going to be really difficult for them to understand the process and access the care that they need, and that’s why we need politicians to stay out of the exam room and really let patients and doctors decide the best course.”
Director of the Office of Human Life and Dignity May Oliver said the Catholic Diocese of St. Augustine fully supports the bill, even though they have sympathy for rape victims.
“It’s a violation, completely, but we do everything to help and be compassionate about that,” Oliver said. “But we really know that you don’t solve that problem by taking the life of another human being.”
Oliver said there are other options available that should be considered before victims elect to abort an unborn child.
“You solve the problem by helping the rape victim, and if they cannot parent that child,” Oliver said. “We have adoption, which is a beautiful alternative that many people don’t even consider and need to be able to consider a little bit more thoroughly.”
Anyone who violates or participates in violating the law could face a third-degree felony charge.