BREAKING NEWS: Governor Vetoes HB 1143
It has just been reported that Governor Crist has vetoed HB 1143, the bill that would have mandated ultrasounds for women seeking abortions.
Crist said the following in his veto message to the Interim Secretary of the Department of State, Dawn Roberts.
"This bill places an inappropriate burden on women seeking to terminate a pregnancy. Individuals hold strong personal views on the issue of life, as do I. However, personal views should not result in laws that unwisely expand the role of government and coerce people to obtain medical tests or procedures that are not medically necessary. In this case, such action would violate a woman's right to privacy.There are many medical or fiscal barriers that could be placed upon a woman in order to prevent her from following through on her constitutionally protected decision to end a pregnancy. However, such measures do not change hearts, which is the only true and effective way to ensure that a new life coming into the world is loved, cherished, and receives the care that is deserved.For the reasons stated above, I am hereby withholding my approval of Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for House Bill 1143 and do hereby veto the same.Sincerely,Charlie Crist"
Details to come.
