A new bill, HB 651, has been proposed in Florida, sparking concerns among abortion rights advocates. Introduced by state Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, a Republican from Fort Myers, this legislation aims to amend the state’s civil liability law. Specifically, it seeks to include the parents of an unborn child among those who can file wrongful death lawsuits.

This proposal comes in the wake of Persons-Mulicka’s previous involvement in sponsoring Florida’s 15-week and six-week bans on abortion. The bill’s introduction has raised alarm among some legislators and abortion rights supporters, who view it as a potential means to target doctors performing abortions. Democratic leader of the Florida Senate, Lauren Book, criticized the bill as a veiled attempt to sue women and doctors over abortion care.

A similar bill has also been introduced in the Florida Senate by Sen. Erin Grall, a Republican known for her role in introducing Senate bills that restrict abortion. These legislative moves are indicative of the ongoing debate and political maneuvering surrounding abortion rights in Florida.

Despite assurances from Persons-Mulicka that the bill is intended to support grieving parents and not target abortion providers, concerns remain. This is highlighted by the rejection of an amendment filed by Democratic Rep. Ashley Gantt of Miami, which aimed to provide explicit protections for abortion providers.

The proposed legislation reflects the continuing contentious nature of abortion rights in Florida, especially in the context of recent Supreme Court decisions and the possibility of a ballot initiative to protect abortion rights up to about 24 weeks, expected in November.