Pregnant rape and incest victims forced to give proof of attack

15 April 2023 , 13:55

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Demonstrators gather in protest of US abortion laws (Image: AP)

Florida has signed a bill that requires victims of incest and rape to provide proof they got raped and if they can’t provide it, the government will mandate they give birth to their rapist’s child.

Right-wing governor Ron DeSantis, seen as Trump's biggest challenger, signed the bill in the middle of the night, seemingly to draw as little attention to it as possible.

The bill also included a ban on abortions after six weeks, but that will not be in effect until Florida’s Supreme Court overturns its previous laws on abortion.

The Heartbeat Protection Act is now enshrined into law, as announced in a press release and states that accepted proof of rape or incest documentation includes restraining orders, police reports, or medical evidence.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis answers questions from the media (AP)

"We are proud to support life and family in the state of Florida," the 44-year-old Republican said in the news release.

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In a statement issued late on Thursday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre condemned the legislation: “This ban would prevent four million Florida women of reproductive age from accessing abortion care after six weeks — before many women even know they’re pregnant.

"This ban would also impact the nearly 15 million women of reproductive age who live in abortion-banning states throughout the South, many of whom have previously relied on travel to Florida as an option to access care.”

A poll in February done by the University of North Florida found that 75 percent of the state's residents either somewhat or strongly opposed the six-week ban — including 61 percent of Republicans.

The bill has some exemptions, including allowing a termination to save a woman’s life.

Georgia has also enforced a law which restricts pregnant women from getting an abortion at around six weeks.

Republican House representative Jenna Persons-Mulicka said: "We have the opportunity to lead the national debate about the importance of protecting life and giving every child the opportunity to be born and find his or her purpose."

Rachel Hagan