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Get the latest coverage of the 2022 Florida legislative session in Tallahassee from our coverage partners and WUSF.

A proposal reaffirming someone's right to an abortion has been filed in Florida

 Reaffirming someone's right to an abortion is what a new bill filed in the Florida legislature would do. Its sponsor Sen. Lori Berman (D-Boynton Beach) says it will be a way to start conversations with Republicans that abortion is healthcare.
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Reaffirming someone's right to an abortion is what a new bill filed in the Florida legislature would do. Its sponsor Sen. Lori Berman (D-Boynton Beach) says it will be a way to start conversations with Republicans that abortion is healthcare.

One of the bill's sponsors says even if neither bill gets a hearing, it will be a way to start conversations with Republicans that abortion is health care.

Two Florida Democratic lawmakers have filed companion bills declaring abortion a fundamental right.

Their proposal would bar state and local governments and civilians from interfering, unduly burdening, discriminating against, or denying a person's right to abortion.

Those who feel that right has been violated could take legal action to recover damages and attorney fees, and costs under the proposal.

Sen. Lori Berman (D-Boynton Beach), one of the bill's sponsors, said it will be a way to start conversations with Republicans that abortion is healthc are.

"Even if it doesn't get one hearing, it's still an opportunity for us to discuss the fact that Florida's constitution provides a right of privacy which provides for the right to have an abortion," Berman said.

A Texas-style abortion bill has already been filed in the Florida legislature. The law in Texas bans abortions after a fetal heartbeat can be detected and lets private citizens sue anyone who helps a person facing that circumstance get an abortion.

Some Republican leaders have expressed discomfort with the measure inspired by the Texas law but say they are still planning more limits on abortion.

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Robbie Gaffney is a recent graduate from Florida State University with degrees in Digital Media Production and Creative Writing. Before working at WFSU, they recorded FSU’s basketball and baseball games for Seminole Productions as well as interned for the PBS Station in Largo, Florida. Robbie loves playing video games such as Shadow of the Colossus, Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask, and Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles. Their other hobbies include sleeping and watching anime.
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