Bill > H1139

This bill modifies Florida's existing law on pregnancy termination by prohibiting physicians from performing an abortion after determining that a fetus is viable (capable of surviving outside the womb using standard medical measures). The bill maintains several critical exceptions to this prohibition: (1) when two physicians certify in writing that the termination is necessary to save the pregnant woman's life or prevent serious, irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function, (2) when a single physician certifies an immediate emergency medical necessity for the procedure, and (3) when two physicians certify that the fetus has a fatal abnormality. Notably, the bill removes previous provisions related to exceptions for pregnancies resulting from rape, incest, or human trafficking, which were previously allowed up to 15 weeks and required specific documentation. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, and represent a significant restriction on abortion access in Florida by focusing on fetal viability as the key determining factor for when a pregnancy termination can be performed.

Health and Social Services

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1139