TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A bill that would require girls under the age of 18 have a parent’s permission before having an abortion in Florida is set for a full Senate vote after Democrats failed Wednesday to make changes to the legislation.
Democrats filed more than two dozen amendments as the Senate took up the bill. Among the changes sought by Democrats were an amendment that would have lowered the age in which girls need a parent’s consent for an abortion to 16. Another would have required public schools teach students about all available forms of contraceptives and their efficacy.
The bill would require a minor to get written, notarized permission from a parent or legal guardian to obtain an abortion. Florida already requires that doctors notify parents before performing an abortion on a minor.
The Senate will vote on the bill next week. A similar House bill is ready for a vote in that chamber.