by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
June 11, 2010
Tallahassee, FL (LifeNews.com) -- Florida Governor Charlie Crist has vetoed a pro-life bill that would both opt the state out of some of the abortion funding in the health care law Obama signed as well as allow women a chance to see an ultrasound before an abortion. Crist hinted at the veto beforehand, so his decision is not unexpected.
Although ultrasounds are routinely done before an abortion, abortion facilities don't always allow women to see them.
State legislators support the bill to help women obtain more information before making a decision to have an abortion.
The same bill would also make Florida the next state to opt out of at least some of the taxpayer funding of abortion contained in the health care bill President Barack Obama signed into law and have it follow Arizona, Tennessee and Mississippi.
The Florida Catholic Conference emailed LifeNews.com and expressed "extreme disappointment" with the veto because, "This good bill would have had a profoundly positive effect on women and their unborn children, as well as all Floridians."
"This is a sad day for Florida women," said Sheila Hopkins, Associate Director for Social Concerns and the Respect Life office. "Many women have lamented their decision and wish they could have viewed an ultrasound before making a choice that they now deeply regret. Without this bill in place women will continue to make a life-altering decision without the benefit of informed consent."
