Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signs strict abortion law

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Florida's Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis after signing the new more restrictive abortion law

Photo Credit: IMAGO/Paul Hennessy/ IMAGO/ZUMA Wire

The US state of Florida introduces a far-reaching ban on abortions after the 15th week.

Florida's governor, Republican Ron DeSantis, signed the tightening law into law in Kissimmee on Thursday.

"We are here today to defend those who cannot defend themselves," DeSantis said.

The law is scheduled to go into effect on July 1.

This means that abortions in Florida after the 15th week of pregnancy would only be possible as an exception, for example if the life of the mother is in danger or the fetus has a fatal abnormality, but not in the case of rape or incest, for example.

The rule follows the model of the new Mississippi abortion law currently under review by the Supreme Court, which also prohibits abortions after the 15th week of pregnancy.

Other Republican-led US states are also trying to largely restrict access to abortions and have already passed stricter abortion laws in anticipation of the Supreme Court decision.

On Tuesday, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed a law banning abortion almost entirely and punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000 (€92,000). .

Fundamental ruling on abortion rights could be overturned

A change in the law in Texas also caused a lot of excitement: a strict abortion law has also been in force there since last year.

It bans all abortions once the fetal heartbeat has been determined.

This can happen as early as the sixth week of pregnancy.

Many women do not even know at this point that they are pregnant.

According to a landmark ruling by the US Supreme Court in 1973, abortions are actually permitted in the United States until the fetus is viable – today around the 24th week of pregnancy.

The decision is considered a milestone.

This case law, known as Roe v.

Wade is known is now up for grabs.

Conservative politicians and opponents of abortion hope that the precedent will be lifted.

If the Supreme Court decides that Mississippi's abortion law is constitutional, other states could also further restrict abortion.

A decision by the constitutional judges is expected in June.

jso/dpa/AFP