From The Florida Catholic Conference Alert Line

Important "Life" Bills on House Calendar this Week

ISSUE: This Wednesday, April 2, three important pro-life bills are scheduled to be heard by the House of Representatives.  All three bills are on second reading and extensive debate is expected.  Unless the rules are waived by official process, they will roll over to third reading with a final vote likely taking place on Friday.  

Ultrasound Prior to Abortion/Parental Notice - CS/HB 257 (Traviesa)
CS/HB 257 requires that all woman be given the opportunity to review an ultrasound prior to an abortion. Once the woman is made aware of her right, she can decline to review the ultrasound by completing a form. The bill also requires appointment of a guardian ad litem for a minor seeking a parental notice waiver. 

Unborn Victims of Violence Act - HB 513 (Poppell)
HB 513 provides that it is not required to prove the defendant in an offense against a pregnant women knew that the victim was pregnant or intended to cause harm to the unborn child. Additionally, it conforms to federal law by defining the term "unborn child" as a "member of the species homo sapiens at any stage of development who is carried in the womb" rather than using a standard of viability outside the womb.

Infant Abandonment - HB 7007 (Healthcare Council)
HB 7007 expands the Safe Haven for Newborns Act by extending from 3 days to 7 days the time period after birth that a mother may anonymously turn her baby over to a hospital, fire station or emergency medical center without the fear of punishment. Also, for Infants born in a hospital whose mother expresses the intent to abandon, the birth certificate shall be completed without naming the mother at the mother's request.

ACTION:  Contact your state representative to ask for his/her support of these bills.  Sample messages for each bill have been crafted for you, simply send these messages or create your own.  It is best to send your messages now to ensure they are received prior to a floor vote.