Florida Bill Would Require Rape Victims To Provide Proof Of Their Rape In Order To Apply For Abortion Exception

The Orlando Sentinel reports:

Floridians who are raped would need to show evidence of that crime if they want an exception under the proposed six-week abortion ban, a requirement that advocates say would traumatize victims of sexual violence even more. Victims of rape or incest would have to provide a copy of a restraining order, police report, medical record or court document to obtain an abortion after six weeks of pregnancy. Rape and incest exceptions would end at 15 weeks of pregnancy.

Only about 20% of rapes and sexual assaults are reported to police, according to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics. My No. 1 priority was an inclusion in whatever legislation we carried an exception for rape and incest. That’s why I am supporting it,” Senate President Kathleen Passidomo told reporters. Jennifer Dritt, executive director of the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence, said lawmakers didn’t consult with her group representing 29 rape crisis centers.

Read the full article.

The bill’s author, Rep. Erin Grall, appeared here last week when she introduced an anti-trans bathroom bill that carries a $10,000 fine.

Rape victims must show proof to get an exception under Florida’s 6-week abortion ban https://t.co/4wfGpPQ1k7 pic.twitter.com/xR7qD1QEhB

— South Florida Sun Sentinel (@SunSentinel) March 10, 2023