Ronda Storms Strikes Again

It was only a matter of time before Ronda Storms would go all Christofascist. Storms has introduced SB 1602. She wants judges to look into factors of intimidation or undue influence when deciding abortion waivers for minors.

A bill to be entitled

2 An act relating to parental notice of abortion;

3 amending s. 390.01114, F.S.; providing that in

4 a hearing relating to waiving the requirement

5 for parental notice, the court consider certain

6 additional factors, including whether the

7 minor's decision to terminate her pregnancy was

8 due to intimidation or undue influence;

9 providing an effective date.

Much of the text of Storms' bill has already been stricken. Storms wanted to put the burden of proof of child abuse on the minor. That is just outright cruel.

SB 1602 is not needed and it wouldn't prevent abortions. Judges already look into the emotional development of the minor when deciding to grant the waiver. NARAL has a webpage page explaining the waiver law.

If a young woman must obtain permission from a judge, what is the process?

She must secure a court order stating: (1) by clear and convincing evidence that: the minor is sufficiently mature to decide whether to terminate her pregnancy; (2) by a preponderance of the evidence that there is evidence of child abuse or sexual abuse by one or both parents; or (3) by the preponderance of the evidence that parental notice is not in her best interests.

The current law does not guarantee a waiver if the girl is the victim of child abuse. She must go to a judge and present her reason for a waiver.

Under Roe vs. Wade, Florida can not stop a minor from having an abortion. Christian conservatives attempted to restrict abortions with parent notifications. Judges almost always give the waivers. The only real legal grounds is if the girl is mentally unstable. Which is considered under current law. Storms' bill is a loud dud.

If young women seek a waiver they can contact the ACLU Path Project at (877) FLA-PATH or 877-352-7284.