abortion bill

The measure in Florida comes as Republicans across the country move to tighten access to the procedure.

One exemption includes allowing an abortion after that time frame if it's medically required to save the pregnant person’s life or to prevent serious harm.

The poll by the Public Opinion Research Lab at the University of North Florida shows 57% of voters oppose a proposal to ban abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy.

The Senate Appropriations Committee voted 13-6 to approve the bill, which is similar to a Mississippi law that is being reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court.

In the open letter, clinicians wrote that there is no medical justification to ban abortion care at 15 weeks and that the legislation, and others like it, severely limits access to care.

The bill also does not include exemptions in cases of rape, incest or human trafficking.

During the committee meeting, Chair Colleen Burton said close to 100 people had signed up to speak and she wanted to be sure all speakers would be heard on the measure.

Sen. Lauren Book says the measure, as it is written, takes "power and control away from" women.

Bill sponsor Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland, defended the decision to reject a proposed amendment to make exceptions for victims of rape and incest.

Florida senators this week will start considering a proposal that would prevent physicians from performing abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy.

The proposal was approved by the House Professions and Public Health Subcommittee in a 12-6 vote.

A new bill in the Florida legislature would ban most abortions after 15 weeks. The measure is scheduled for its first committee hearing Wednesday. Already advocates and lawmakers are lining up to fight for their side of the issue.