TALLAHASSEE, March 24, 2011 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Facing a record number of pro-life bills in the Florida legislature, Governor Rick Scott of Florida has hinted that he will approach the legislation favorably, although he has yet to review them all.
“I’ll review all those bills, but as you know, I’ve been pro-life all my life and I’m going to be a pro-life governor,” said Scott according to local CBS affiliate WCTV.com.
Florida lawmakers have filed at least 18 pro-life bills this year, according to the Miami Herald, part of a nationwide push against abortion on the state level.
One bill prohibiting private insurance plans in state-based health exchanges passed a Senate committee on March 14, alongside another proposing a constitutional amendment prohibiting state tax dollars from being used for any abortions, including in cases of rape or incest.
Last Monday, a measure that would put in place further parental notification requirements was also approved by a House panel.
In June 2010, then-Governor Charlie Crist disappointed pro-life leaders in Florida by vetoing an ultrasound bill widely considered the most significant pro-life measure in Florida’s history. Crist, who initially billed himself as “pro-life,” removed the pro-life section from his campaign website last year and changed party affiliation from Republican to Independent to pit himself against pro-life Republican gubernatorial candidate Marco Rubio.
Among the measures waiting in the wings this year is another measure requiring abortion-bound women to have ultrasounds, which was approved by a House committee Tuesday.