Could Florida lawmakers call a special session to ban abortion?

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — If the U.S. Supreme Court ultimately rules in line with the draft ruling leaked Monday night, states would be free to impose abortion restrictions of their choice.

The bombshell SCOTUS leak already has some groups in Florida urging lawmakers to call a special session to pass a blanket abortion ban, but legislative leaders have so far not endorsed that idea.

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Florida Voice for the Unborn sent a letter to the Governor on Tuesday, urging him to call a special session to ban nearly all abortions.

“The purpose is to save as many unborn children as possible,” said state Rep. Cord Byrd (R-Jacksonville).

Byrd said he would support such an effort if the court’s final ruling reflects the sentiment of the leaked draft.

“Come back and address the issue as soon as we can to be in line with the holding of the court,” said Byrd.

When asked about the leak Tuesday afternoon, Gov. Ron DeSantis did not mention a special session.

Instead, he pointed out that the state’s new 15-week ban still has a lengthy legal fight ahead of it in state court.

“We think we’re gonna (get) there, but that is going to be something that we’re going to have to do,” said DeSantis.

Anthony Verdugo with the Florida Christian Family Coalition supports a blanket ban, but he acknowledged such a move may be too politically risky in an election year.

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“I can see further restrictions. I don’t know that I can see zero or six weeks at this point,” said Verdugo.

State Democrats, in a virtual press conference Tuesday morning, said they are prepared to fight if Republicans do attempt to pass further restrictions.

“Each one of us have our armor ready. We are not only empowered by own values and commitment to reproductive rights, but we also know that the majority of Floridians agree with us,” said state Rep. Anna Eskamani (D-Orlando).

Whether the legislature acts or not, abortion rights are shaping up to be a key issue for the November election and even in the Democratic primary.

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