Abortion bill heard in Florida Senate committee, but vote delayed

TALLAHASSEE – An election-year measure requiring minors to get consent from their parents or court approval before obtaining an abortion was briefly sidetracked Tuesday in a Senate committee.

The Health Policy Committee ran out of time before a vote could be taken on the legislation (SB 404) by Sen. Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland. Democrats opposed to the bill had proposed 16 amendments – all defeated, but debate over them absorbed most of the time scheduled for the hearing.

Health Policy Chair Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart, said the legislation will return before her committee next month – and that she supports the proposed change in abortion law, which also is advancing in the Florida House.

Opponents said the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature is looking to join other states in pushing to limit – or even eliminate – abortion rights.

"I'm very concerned, they're trying to chip away more at Roe v. Wade," said Sen. Lori Berman, D-Lantana, citing the landmark 1973 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that effectively legalized abortion across the nation.

But Stargel said her legislation is intended to bring families together during critical times. It's an issue she is familiar with, having had a child as a teenager through an unplanned pregnancy.

"It's the blessing of my life," Stargel said. "My daughter has accomplished many wonderful things. I hate for other people to miss that opportunity of having a discussion with their family."

Stargel's bill requires girls under age 18 seeking an abortion to get notarized consent from their parents or legal guardian. Otherwise, they could go to court and seek a judge's waiver to have the procedure.

Democrats opposing the legislation said that Stargel is looking to impose a pro-family standard disconnected from the harsh realities of many homes. Minor girls may be the victims of abuse, incest, or living in households where news of an unwanted pregnancy may lead to violence.

Florida currently has a parental notice law approved by voters in 2004 that also gives a minor the right to appear before a judge to avoid telling a parent. But needing parental consent heightens the stakes, critics said.

"We are wholly unprepared for what is proposed here," said Sen. Janet Cruz, D-Tampa.

Amendments proposed Tuesday by Democrats covered a range of issues. They would have changed the age for consent to 16, allowed for an abortion if it was in the best interest of a minor's mental health, and required training for court personnel and improved information on court websites about obtaining a judicial waiver.

The amendments were defeated by Republicans, who hold a majority on the committee. Just as during a similar bill's lone hearing last month in the Florida House, the Capitol hearing room was packed, mostly with opponents to the proposal.

Florida had a parental consent law 30 years ago that was overturned by the state Supreme Court for violating the state's constitutional right to privacy.

But supporters of the consent measure think the current court, with three new justices appointed in January by Gov. Ron DeSantis, may take a narrower view of privacy – especially if it means giving parents more authority over an abortion sought by their child.

With the U.S. Supreme Court also tilting more to the right following President Trump's selection of Justice Brett Kavanaugh, nine states this year approved abortion restrictions that could challenge the constitutional right established with Roe v. Wade.

The consent legislation in Florida could gain momentum in this atmosphere.

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