DeSantis Signs Heartbeat Protection Act Into Law: “Proud To Support Life And Family In The Great State Of Florida”

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the Republican legislature’s Heartbeat Protection Act into law Thursday evening, which prohibits abortion procedures in Florida once an unborn child’s heartbeat is detectable.

In celebratory statements after the signing, DeSantis and his team contrasted Florida’s family-first laws to those of New York and California, where late-term infanticide is not only accepted but normalized.

“We are proud to support life and family in the state of Florida,” DeSantis said.

“I applaud the Legislature for passing the Heartbeat Protection Act that expands pro-life protections and provides additional resources for young mothers and families.”

Signed the Heartbeat Protection Act, which expands pro-life protections and devotes resources to help young mothers and families. pic.twitter.com/quZpSj1ZPk

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) April 14, 2023

The governor’s office applauded the signing in its official news release, hitting deep blue states for their policies allowing “infanticide up until birth,” while listing other pro-family wins for Floridians facilitated by DeSantis:

While other states like California and New York have legalized infanticide up until birth, Governor DeSantis has enacted historic measures to defend the dignity of human life and transform Florida into a pro-family state.

In 2022, Governor DeSantis signed groundbreaking legislation to encourage responsible and involved fatherhood in Florida through educational programs, mentorship programs, and one-on-one support.Also in 2022, Governor DeSantis signed SB 7034, which expands support for foster parents and opportunities for foster children.

In 2021, Governor DeSantis signed SB 2518, which helps reduce maternal mortality rates by extending postpartum eligibility for Medicaid from 60 days to 12 months post-delivery.

Florida Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez also celebrated the news, taking to Twitter to discuss the policy victory.

“@GovRonDeSantis and I are proud to stand for the unborn,” Nuñez wrote.

“By signing this legislation, our administration reaffirms its commitment to protecting innocent life and standing by strong families in Florida,” she added.

.@GovRonDeSantis and I are proud to stand for the unborn.

By signing this legislation, our administration reaffirms its commitment to protecting innocent life and standing by strong families in Florida. https://t.co/4E8AAhEoVb

— Jeanette Nuñez (@LtGovNunez) April 14, 2023

The massive policy win for DeSantis comes midway through the Sunshine State’s legislative session, which will conclude on May 5th.