Christian Family Coalition Praises Passage of Ultrasound, Anti-Abortion Bills

Scoring four key victories at the 2011 Legislature, the Miami-based Christian Family Coalition hailed passage of right-to-life bills this year:

Parental Rights Memorial(HM 557and SM 954): Floridabecame the fifth state to pass a resolution calling for a Parental Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The Florida Senate voted 38-0 in favor of SM 954 after the Florida House passed its companion HM 557 by a voice vote.The House sponsor wasRep. Marti Coleyand the Senate sponsor was Sen. Anitere Flores.

Abortion/Public Funding (CS/HJR 1179/SJR 1538): Proposed constitutional amendment prohibiting public funding of abortions was approved for the 2012 ballot. The House passed the measure 79-34 and the Senate approved it, 27-12. The House sponsor wasRep. Dennis Baxley and the Senate sponsor was Flores.

Ultrasound Bill (CS/HB 1127/CS/SB 1744): Reviving a bill that failed last year, this measure requires that an ultrasound be performed before an abortion can be obtained. Patient can certify in writing that she declined to review the results.Passed the House 81-37, passed the Senate, 24-15. House sponsor was Rep. Liz Porter, Senate sponsor was Sen. Ronda Storms

Parental Notice of Abortion (HB 1247/SB 1770): Revises procedure for judicial waiver of notice; provides for minor to petition for hearing within specified time; in hearings relating to waiving requirement for parental notice, courts must consider certain additional factors, including whether minor's decision to terminate her pregnancy was due to undue influence. Passed the House 82-35, passed the Senate 26-12. House sponsor was Rep. Kelli Stargel, Senate sponsor was Sen. Alan Hays.