DeSantis Refuses to Penalize Women for Abortion Ban Infractions
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is currently the second-runner in the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, stated that he does not support prosecuting women who have abortions in states where the procedure is banned. DeSantis recently signed a bill in Florida that prohibits abortions after six weeks, except when the life of the mother is in danger. Abortions for cases involving rape, incest, or human trafficking are allowed up until 15 weeks with proper documentation. While many state restrictions target doctors as criminals, only South Carolina, Oklahoma, and Nevada have laws criminalizing self-managed abortions. When asked about punishing women who violate abortion bans, DeSantis expressed empathy for their difficult circumstances and lack of support, stating that he would not support penalties on women. DeSantis is currently behind former President Donald Trump in the race for the GOP nomination and Trump supports restricting abortion at 15 weeks. DeSantis confirmed that he would be a pro-life president and would veto a federal bill banning abortion nationwide, arguing against what he perceives as a push towards infanticide by the left.
