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Meeting Packet - Professions & Public Health Subcommittee, HB 1221 Disability Abortions (March 11, 2021)

Summary

Meeting packet for the House of Representatives Professions & Public Health Subcommittee meeting of Thursday, March 11, 2021, which includes a staff analysis of HB 1221, Disability Abortions, with the sponsor listed as Grall and others. The analysis states that HB 1221 prohibits a physician from performing an abortion if the physician knows, or should know, that the woman is seeking the abortion solely on the basis of a test result or diagnosis of a disability or the potential of a disability. It states the bill may have an insignificant, negative fiscal impact on the Department of Health and the Agency for Health Care Administration, and provides an effective date of July 1, 2021.

Summary drafted by a model from the document's text below and checked by script against that text before publication. It is a navigation aid, not a reading of what the document proves. Where AI is used

Cite this document

“Meeting Packet - Professions & Public Health Subcommittee, HB 1221 Disability Abortions (March 11, 2021).” Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/2021-03-11-3093-professions-public-health-subcommittee-meeting-packets-5d3507b444/, SHA-256 dac9d7cf61e7c83167d2e9aec22b384b708653bdce69b1c76a29a3f12bc69dcd.

Full text

           Professions and Public Health
                  Subcommittee
                 Thursday, March 11, 2021
                    2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
                 Webster Hall (212 Knott)


                     Meeting Packet




Chris Sprowls                               Will Robinson
Speaker                                             Chair
                                         Committee Meeting Notice
                                               HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES




                                    Professions & Public Health Subcommittee

Start Date and Time:                Thursday, March 11, 2021 02:30 pm

End Date and Time:                  Thursday, March 11, 2021 03:30 pm

Location:                           Webster Hall (212 Knott)
Duration:                           1.00 hrs


Consideration of the following bill(s):

HB 1221 Disability Abortions by Grall



This meeting will be live-streamed on https://thefloridachannel.org/. Persons who wish to attend must
register at www.myfloridahouse.gov, and pick up a pass at the Legislative Welcome Center on the 4th Floor
of the Capitol beginning one hour before the start of the meeting. Audience seating will be socially
distanced and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration closes three hours before
the meeting starts.




                               NOTICE FINALIZED on 03/09/2021 4:06PM by Osborne.Erin


03/09/2021     04:06:35PM                                   Leagis ®                                          Page 1 of 1
HB 1221
                                    HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES STAFF ANALYSIS

BILL #:     HB 1221 Disability Abortions
SPONSOR(S): Grall and others
TIED BILLS:       IDEN./SIM. BILLS: SB 1664


    REFERENCE                                                         ACTION                 ANALYST              STAFF DIRECTOR or
                                                                                                                  BUDGET/POLICY
                                                                                                                  CHIEF

    1) Professions & Public Health Subcommittee                                              McElroy              McElroy
    2) Health & Human Services Committee

                                                        SUMMARY ANALYSIS
Prenatal screening and diagnostic tests are used to identify and diagnose genetic disorders in fetuses. These
genetic disorders include chromosomal disorders, neural tube defects and some defects of the abdomen,
heart, and facial features.

HB 1221 prohibits a physician from performing an abortion if the physician knows, or should know, that the
woman is seeking the abortion solely on the basis on the basis of a test result or diagnosis of a disability or the
potential of a disability. The bill provides an exception to this prohibition if the disability abortion is necessary to
save the life of the mother. The bill defines disability as any disease, defect or disorder that is genetically
inherited including:

         •    A physical disability.
         •    A mental or intellectual disability.
         •    A physical disfigurement.
         •    Scoliosis.
         •    Dwarfism.
         •    Down syndrome.
         •    Albinism.
         •    Amelia.
         •    A physical or mental disease

The bill may have an insignificant, negative fiscal impact on the Department of Health and the Agency for
Health Care Administration, which current resources are adequate to absorb.

The bill has no fiscal impact on local governments.

The bill provides an effective date of July 1, 2021.




This document does not reflect the intent or official position of the bill sponsor or House of Representatives.
STORAGE NAME: h1221.PPH.DOCX
DATE: 3/5/2021
                                                      FULL ANALYSIS

                                              I. SUBSTANTIVE ANALYSIS

        A. EFFECT OF PROPOSED CHANGES:
          Federal Law on Abortion

          In 1973, the foundation of modern abortion jurisprudence, Roe v. Wade 1, was decided by the U.S.
          Supreme Court. Using strict scrutiny, the Court determined that a woman’s right to an abortion is part of
          a fundamental right to privacy guaranteed under the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth
          Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Further, the Court reasoned that state regulation limiting the
          exercise of this right must be justified by a compelling state interest, and must be narrowly drawn. 2 In
          1992, the fundamental holding of Roe was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in Planned Parenthood
          v. Casey. 3

                    The Viability Standard

          In Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court established a rigid trimester framework dictating when, if
          ever, states can regulate abortion. 4 The Court held that states could not regulate abortions during the
          first trimester of pregnancy. 5 With respect to the second trimester, the Court held that states could only
          enact regulations aimed at protecting the mother’s health, not the fetus’s life. Therefore, no ban on
          abortions is permitted during the second trimester. The state’s interest in the life of the fetus becomes
          sufficiently compelling only at the beginning of the third trimester, allowing it to prohibit abortions. Even
          then, the Court requires states to permit an abortion in circumstances necessary to preserve the health
          or life of the mother. 6

          The current viability standard is set forth in Planned Parenthood v. Casey. 7 Recognizing that medical
          advancements in neonatal care can advance viability to a point somewhat earlier than the third
          trimester, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected the trimester framework and, instead, limited the states’
          ability to regulate abortion pre-viability. Thus, while upholding the underlying holding in Roe, which
          authorizes states to “regulate, and even proscribe, abortion except where it is necessary, in appropriate
          medical judgment, for the preservation of the life or health of the mother[,]” 8 the Court determined that
          the line for this authority should be drawn at “viability,” because “there may be some medical
          developments that affect the precise point of viability . . . but this is an imprecision within tolerable limits
          given that the medical community and all those who must apply its discoveries will continue to explore
          the matter.” 9 Furthermore, the Court recognized that “[i]n some broad sense it might be said that a
          woman who fails to act before viability has consented to the State’s intervention on behalf of the
          developing child.” 10

                    Undue Burden

          In Planned Parenthood v. Casey, the U.S. Supreme Court (Supreme Court) established the undue
          burden standard for determining whether a law places an impermissible obstacle to a woman’s right to
          an abortion. The Court held that health regulations which impose undue burdens on the right to
          abortion are invalid. 11 State regulation imposes an “undue burden” on a woman's decision to have an

1 Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113 (1973).
2 Id.
3 Casey, 505 U.S. 833 (1992).
4 Roe, 410 U.S. 113 (1973).
5 Id. at 163-64.
6 Id. at 164-165.
7 Planned Parenthood of SE Pa. v. Casey, 505 U.S. 833 (1992).
8 See Roe, 410 U.S. at 164-65.
9 See Casey, 505 U.S. at 870.
10 Id.
11 Id. at 878.

STORAGE NAME: h1221.PPH.DOCX                                                                                       PAGE: 2
DATE: 3/5/2021
          abortion if it has the purpose or effect of placing a substantial obstacle in the path of the woman who
          seeks the abortion of a nonviable fetus. 12 However, the court opined, not every law which makes the
          right to an abortion more difficult to exercise is an infringement of that right. 13

                  The Medical Emergency Exception

          In Doe v. Bolton, the U.S. Supreme Court was faced with determining, among other things, whether a
          Georgia statute criminalizing abortions (pre- and post-viability), except when determined to be
          necessary based upon a physician’s “best clinical judgment,” was unconstitutionally void for vagueness
          for inadequately warning a physician under what circumstances an abortion could be performed. 14 In its
          reasoning, the Court agreed with the district court decision that the exception was not unconstitutionally
          vague, by recognizing that:

                  [T]he medical judgment may be exercised in the light of all factors—physical, emotional,
                  psychological, familial, and the woman's age-relevant to the well-being of the patient. All
                  these factors may relate to health. This allows the attending physician the room he needs
                  to make his best medical judgment. 15

          This broad interpretation of what constitutes a medical emergency was later tested in Casey 16, albeit in
          a different context. One question before the Supreme Court in Casey was whether the medical
          emergency exception to a 24-hour waiting period for an abortion was too narrow in that there were
          some potentially significant health risks that would not be considered “immediate.” 17 The exception in
          question provided that a medical emergency is:

                  [T]hat condition which, on the basis of the physician’s good faith clinical judgment, so
                  complicates the medical condition of a pregnant woman as to necessitate the immediate
                  abortion of her pregnancy to avert her death or for which a delay will create serious risk of
                  substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function. 18

          In evaluating the more objective standard under which a physician is to determine the existence of a
          medical emergency, the Court in Casey determined that the exception would not significantly threaten
          the life and health of a woman and imposed no undue burden on the woman’s right to have an
          abortion. 19

          Florida Abortion Law

                  Right to Abortion

          The Florida Constitution, as interpreted by Florida courts, affords greater privacy rights than
          those provided by the U.S. Constitution. While the federal Constitution traditionally shields
          enumerated and implied individual liberties from state or federal intrusion, the U.S. Supreme
          Court has noted that state constitutions may provide greater protections. 20 Unlike the U.S.
          Constitution, Article I, s. 23 of the Florida Constitution contains an express right to privacy:


12 Id. at 877
13 Id. at 873.
14 Doe, 410 U.S. at 179 (1973). Other exceptions, such as in cases of rape and when, “[t]he fetus would very likely be born with a

grave, permanent, and irremediable mental or physical defect.” Id. at 183. See also, U.S. v. Vuitich, 402 U.S. 62, 71-72 (1971)
(determining that a medical emergency exception to a criminal statute banning abortions would include consideration of the mental
health of the pregnant woman).
15 Doe, 410 U.S. at 192.
16 Casey, 505. U.S. 833 (1992).
17 Id. at 880.
18 Id. at 879 (quoting 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3203 (1990)).
19 Id. at 880.
20 Pruneyard Shopping Center v. Robins, 100 S.Ct. 2035, 2040 (1980), cited in In re T.W., 551 So.2d 1186, 1191 (Fla. 1989).

STORAGE NAME: h1221.PPH.DOCX                                                                                                   PAGE: 3
DATE: 3/5/2021
                  Every natural person has the right to be let alone and free from
                  governmental intrusion into the person’s private life except as otherwise
                  provided herein. This section shall not be construed to limit the public’s
                  right of access to public records and meetings as provided by law.

         The Florida Supreme Court opined in In re T.W. that this section provides greater privacy rights than
         those implied by the U.S. Constitution. 21

         The Florida Supreme Court has recognized Florida’s constitutional right to privacy “is clearly implicated
         in a woman’s decision whether or not to continue her pregnancy.” 22 In In re T.W., the Florida Supreme
         Court ruled that: 23

                  [P]rior to the end of the first trimester, the abortion decision must be left to
                  the woman and may not be significantly restricted by the state. Following
                  this point, the state may impose significant restrictions only in the least
                  intrusive manner designed to safeguard the health of the mother.
                  Insignificant burdens during either period must substantially further
                  important state interests….Under our Florida Constitution, the state’s
                  interest becomes compelling upon viability….Viability under Florida law
                  occurs at that point in time when the fetus becomes capable of
                  meaningful life outside the womb through standard medical procedures.

         The court recognized that after viability, the state can regulate abortion in the interest of the unborn
         child if the mother’s health is not in jeopardy. 24

         The state may regulate abortion pre-viability based upon its interest in maternal health
         beginning in the second trimester. In Fla. Women's Medical Clinic, Inc. v. Smith the court held
         that the state has an interest in maternal health only after the first trimester, not before, and may
         not impose substantive clinical standards in the first trimester. 25

                  Abortion Regulation

         In Florida, abortion is defined as the termination of a human pregnancy with an intention other
         than to produce a live birth or to remove a dead fetus. 26 An abortion must be performed by a
         physician 27 licensed under ch. 458, F.S., or ch. 459, F.S., or a physician practicing medicine or
         osteopathic medicine in the employment of the United States. 28

         In Florida, abortion is defined as the termination of a human pregnancy with an intention other than to
         produce a live birth or to remove a dead fetus. 29 An abortion must be performed by a physician 30
         licensed under ch. 458, F.S., or ch. 459, F.S., or a physician practicing allopathic or osteopathic
         medicine in the employment of the United States. 31




21 Id. at 1191-1192.
22 Id. at 1192.
23 Id. at 1193.
24 Id. at 1194.
25 Fla. Women's Medical Clinic, Inc. v. Smith, 478 F.Supp. 233 (S.D. Fla. 1979); Fla. Women’s Medical Clinic, Inc. v. Smith, 536

F.Supp. 1048 (S.D. Fla. 1982).
26 Section 390.011(1), F.S.
27 Section 390.0111(2), F.S.
28 Section 390.011(8), F.S.
29 Section 390.011(1), F.S.
30 Section 390.0111(2), F.S.
31 Section 390.011(8), F.S.

STORAGE NAME: h1221.PPH.DOCX                                                                                                       PAGE: 4
DATE: 3/5/2021
         All abortions, whether in the first trimester or later, are subject to the following requirements:

              •    An abortion may only be performed in a validly licensed hospital, abortion clinic, or in a
                   physician’s office; 32
              •    Proper medical care must be given and used for a fetus when an abortion is performed during
                   viability; 33
              •    Experimentation on a fetus is prohibited; 34
              •    Except when there is a medical emergency, an abortion may only be performed after a patient
                   has given voluntary and written informed consent, 35 which includes verification of the fetal age
                   via ultrasound imaging; 36
              •    Fetal remains are to be disposed of in a sanitary and appropriate manner; 37 and
              •    Partial-birth abortions are prohibited.

         Abortions performed after the first trimester are also subject to clinical standards set by the
         Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) in rule, including: 38

              •    Adequate private space for interviewing, counseling, and medical evaluations;
              •    Dressing rooms for staff and patients;
              •    Appropriate lavatory areas;
              •    Areas for preprocedure hand washing;
              •    Private procedure rooms;
              •    Adequate lighting and ventilation for procedures;
              •    Surgical or gynecological examination tables and other fixed equipment;
              •    Postprocedure recovery rooms that are equipped to meet the patients’ needs;
              •    Emergency exits to accommodate a stretcher or gurney;
              •    Areas for cleaning and sterilizing instruments;
              •    Adequate areas for the secure storage of medical records and necessary equipment and
                   supplies; and
              •    Conspicuous display of the clinic’s current license issued by AHCA.

         The Department of Health and AHCA have authority to take licensure action against practitioners and
         clinics, respectively, which violate licensure statutes or rules. 39 Additionally, any person who willfully
         performs, or actively participates in, an abortion in violation of these requirements commits a third
         degree felony and commits a second-degree felony if the woman dies. 40

         Prenatal Genetic Testing

         Genetic disorders can be identified through carrier testing, prenatal screening tests and prenatal
         diagnostic tests. Carrier testing can be performed prior to or during any point during a pregnancy.
         Carrier testing detects whether an individual carries a gene mutation related to certain genetic
         disorders. 41


32 Section 797.03 (1), F.S. A third trimester abortion may only be performed in a hospital
33 Section 390.0111(4), F.S.
34 Section 390.0111(6), F.S.
35 Section 390.0111(3), F.S. A physician violating this provision is subject to disciplinary action.
36 Section 390.0111(3)(a)1.b., F.S.
37 Section 390.0111(8), F.S. A person who improperly disposes of fetal remains commits a second degree misdemeanor.
38 Section 390.012(3)(a)1., F.S. Rules related to abortion are found in ch. 59A-9, F.A.C.
39 Section 390.018, F.S.
40 Section 390.0111(10), F.S.
41 Prenatal Screening Tests, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, available at https://www.acog.org/womens-

health/faqs/prenatal-genetic-screening-tests (last visited on March 7, 2021).
STORAGE NAME: h1221.PPH.DOCX                                                                                                  PAGE: 5
DATE: 3/5/2021
         Prenatal genetic screening tests are performed during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy and
         are used to identify potential genetic disorders. During the 10th through 13th weeks of pregnancy blood
         tests and a nuchal translucency screening, which measures the thickness at the back of a fetuses neck,
         are conducted. 42 Blood tests screen for Down syndrome, trisomy 13, trisomy 18 and sex chromosome
         abnormalities. 43 An abnormal nuchal translucency screening indicates an increased risk for Downs
         Syndrome and is linked some defects of the abdomen, heart, and facial features. 44 Additional blood and
         ultrasound screening tests are typically conducted during the 15th through 22nd weeks of pregnancy.
         These tests can identify Downs Syndrome, trisomy 18, neural tube defects 45 and major physical defects
         in the brain and spine, facial features, abdomen, heart, and limbs. 46

         Prenatal diagnostic tests determine whether the fetus actually has one of the disorders identified in a
         prenatal screening test. Prenatal diagnostic tests are performed on cells obtained from the fetus
         through chorionic villus sampling (CVS) 47 or amniocentesis. 48 CVS is performed during the 10th through
         13th weeks of pregnancy and detects Down syndrome, trisomy 18 and inherited disorders. 49
         Amniocentesis is usually performed beginning in the 15th week of pregnancy and detects Down
         syndrome, trisomy 13, trisomy 18, inherited disorders and certain types of neural tube defects. 50 The
         following chart illustrates the tests possible at various point in the pregnancy. 51
         11




42 Id.
43 Id.
44 Id.
45 Neural tube defects are severe defects of the brain and spine. Anencephaly (brain defect where baby is missing parts of the brain

and skull) and spina bifida are the two most common types of neural tube defects. Facts about Neural Tube Defects, Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, available at https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/facts-about-neural-tube-defects.html (last viewed
on March 9, 2021).
46 See footnote 43.
47 Chorionic villus sampling is a prenatal test in which a sample of chorionic villi is removed from the placenta for testing. Chorionic

Villus Sampling, Mayo Clinic, available at https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/chorionic-villus-sampling/about/pac-20393533
(last viewed on March 7, 2021).
48 Id. During amniocentesis a sample of amniotic fluid, which contains fetal cells and chemicals produced by the baby, is withdrawn for

testing. Amniocentesis, Mayo Clinic, available at https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/amniocentesis/about/pac-20392914 (last
viewed on March 7, 2021).
49 See footnote 43.
50Id.
51 Prenatal Genetic Testing Chart, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2019, available at Prenatal Genetic Testing

Chart | ACOG (last viewed on March 7, 2021). Abbreviations: CVS, chorionic villus sampling; NT, nuchal translucency; NTD, neural
tube defect.
STORAGE NAME: h1221.PPH.DOCX                                                                                                    PAGE: 6
DATE: 3/5/2021
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               PAGE: 7
        Disability Abortion Ban

        Nine states 52 have enacted laws prohibiting a physician from performing an abortion if the physician
        has knowledge that the abortion is being sought solely on the basis of a test result or diagnosis of a
        disability or the potential of a disability. Under these laws, disability it typically defined as is any
        disease, defect or disorder that is genetically inherited, consistent with the definitions in other states,
        and includes:

                 •    A physical disability.
                 •    A mental or intellectual disability.
                 •    A physical disfigurement.
                 •    Scoliosis.
                 •    Dwarfism.
                 •    Down syndrome.
                 •    Albinism.
                 •    Amelia.
                 •    A physical or mental disease.

        Legal challenges to these laws have been brought in seven states. 53 Federal courts have granted
        injunctions in each of these cases which each state has appealed. These matters are currently
        pending in various federal courts, with the exception of one state whose law has been permanently
        enjoined. 54 The laws were not challenged in two states, Mississippi and North Dakota, so the
        prohibition remains in effect in those states.

         Effect of Proposed Changes

        HB 1221 prohibits a physician from performing an abortion if the physician knows, or should know, that
        the woman is seeking the abortion solely on the basis on the basis of a test result or diagnosis of a
        disability or the potential of a disability. The bill provides an exception to this prohibition if the disability
        abortion is necessary to save the life of the mother. The bill defines disability as any disease, defect or
        disorder that is genetically inherited including:

                 •    A physical disability.
                 •    A mental or intellectual disability.
                 •    A physical disfigurement.
                 •    Scoliosis.
                 •    Dwarfism.
                 •    Down syndrome.
                 •    Albinism.
                 •    Amelia.
                 •    A physical or mental disease

        The bill provides an effective date of July 1, 2021.

    B. SECTION DIRECTORY:
        Section 1: Amends s. 390.011, F.S., relating to definitions.
        Section 2: Amends s. 390.0111, F.S., relating to termination of pregnancies.
        Section 3: Provides an effective date of July 1, 2021.

52 Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio and Tennessee.
53 Legal challenges have been brought in Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee.
54 Indiana’s law has been permanently enjoined.

STORAGE NAME: h1221.PPH.DOCX                                                                                      PAGE: 8
DATE: 3/5/2021
                         II. FISCAL ANALYSIS & ECONOMIC IMPACT STATEMENT

   A. FISCAL IMPACT ON STATE GOVERNMENT:

       1. Revenues:
           None.

       2. Expenditures:
           The bill may have an insignificant, negative fiscal impact on the Department of Health and the
           Agency for Health Care Administration for the enforcement of the bill’s provisions, which current
           resources are adequate to absorb.

   B. FISCAL IMPACT ON LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

       1. Revenues:
           None.

       2. Expenditures:
           None.

   C. DIRECT ECONOMIC IMPACT ON PRIVATE SECTOR:
       None.

   D. FISCAL COMMENTS:
       None.

                                                 III. COMMENTS

   A. CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES:

       1. Applicability of Municipality/County Mandates Provision:
          Not applicable. This bill does not appear to affect county or municipal governments.

       2. Other:
          The bill’s provisions may implicate the privacy rights established in Article I, s. 23, FL Const.

   B. RULE-MAKING AUTHORITY:
       None.

   C. DRAFTING ISSUES OR OTHER COMMENTS:
       None.


                         IV. AMENDMENTS/ COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CHANGES




STORAGE NAME: h1221.PPH.DOCX                                                                                  PAGE: 9
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           HB 1221                                                                                               2021




    1                                         A bill to be entitled
    2                An act relating to disability abortions; amending s.
    3                390.011; providing definitions; amending s. 390.0111;
    4                prohibiting a physician from performing or inducing,
    5                or attempting to perform or induce, a disability
    6                abortion; providing immunity from prosecution for a
    7                woman upon whom such abortion is performed; providing
    8                an exception; conforming provisions to changes made by
    9                the act; providing an effective date.
10
11         Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
12
13                   Section 1.       Subsections (6) through (13) of section
14         390.011, Florida Statutes, are renumbered as subsections (8)
15         through (15), respectively, and new subsections (6) and (7) are
16         added to that section, to read:
17                   390.011     Definitions.—As used in this chapter, the term:
18                   (6)     "Disability" means any disease, defect, or disorder
19         that is genetically inherited including, but not limited to:
20                   (a)     A physical disability;
21                   (b)     A mental or intellectual disability;
22                   (c)     A physical disfigurement;
23                   (d)     Down syndrome;
24                   (e)     Scoliosis;
25                   (f)     Dwarfism;

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        HB 1221                                                                                               2021




26                (g)     Albinism;
27                (h)     Amelia; or
28                (i)     A physical or mental disease.
29
30      The term does not include a lethal fetal anomaly.
31                (7)     "Disability abortion" means an abortion in which the
32      physician performing the termination of pregnancy knows, or
33      should know, that the pregnant woman is seeking the termination
34      of pregnancy solely on the basis of a prenatal diagnosis, test,
35      or screening indicating a disability or the potential for a
36      disability in the fetus.
37                Section 2.       Subsections (6) through (15) of section
38      390.0111, Florida Statutes, are renumbered as subsections (7)
39      through (16), respectively, present subsection (10) is amended,
40      and a new subsection (6) is added to that section, to read:
41                390.0111        Termination of pregnancies.—
42                (6)     DISABILITY ABORTION PROHIBITED; EXCEPTION.—
43                (a)     A physician may not perform or induce, or attempt to
44      perform or induce, a disability abortion.
45                (b)     A woman upon whom a disability abortion is performed
46      may not be prosecuted under this section for a conspiracy to
47      violate the provisions of this section.
48                (c)     This subsection does not apply to a disability
49      abortion that is necessary to save the life of a mother whose
50      life is endangered by a physical disorder, illness, or injury,

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        HB 1221                                                                                               2021




51      provided that no other medical procedure would suffice for that
52      purpose.
53                (11)(10)        PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION.—Except as provided in
54      subsections (3), (8), and (13) (7), and (12):
55                (a)     Any person who willfully performs, or actively
56      participates in, a termination of pregnancy in violation of the
57      requirements of this section or s. 390.01112 commits a felony of
58      the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s.
59      775.083, or s. 775.084.
60                (b)     Any person who performs, or actively participates in,
61      a termination of pregnancy in violation of this section or s.
62      390.01112 which results in the death of the woman commits a
63      felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s.
64      775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
65                Section 3.       This act shall take effect July 1, 2021.




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                                             COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE AMENDMENT
                                                     Bill No. HB 1221   (2021)
       Amendment No. 1




            COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE ACTION
       ADOPTED                       (Y/N)
       ADOPTED AS AMENDED            (Y/N)
       ADOPTED W/O OBJECTION         (Y/N)
       FAILED TO ADOPT               (Y/N)
       WITHDRAWN                     (Y/N)
       OTHER


1      Committee/Subcommittee hearing bill:      Professions & Public
2      Health Subcommittee
3      Representative Grall offered the following:
4
 5          Amendment (with title amendment)
 6          Between lines 64 and 65, insert:
 7          Section 1.    Section 381.990, Florida Statutes, is created
 8     to read:
9           381.990   Educational Information on Prenatal Genetic
10     Disorders.—
11          The Department of Health shall publish on its website and
12     update annually:
13          (1) Evidence-based information about prenatal genetic
14     disorders including, but not limited to, Down syndrome,
15     scoliosis, dwarfism, albinism and amelia. The department shall


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                                                   Bill No. HB 1221   (2021)
       Amendment No. 1


16     include information reviewed by medical experts and national
17     organizations and include the following:
18          (a) Physical, developmental, educational and psychosocial
19     outcomes.
20          (b) Life expectancy.
21          (c) Clinical course.
22          (d) Intellectual and functional development.
23          (e) Treatment options.
24          (f) Any other information the department deems necessary.
25          (2) Information regarding resources and support services
26     for families, including information hotlines, relevant resource
27     centers or clearinghouses, national and local support
28     organizations and education and support programs.
29          Section 2.   Section 456.52, Florida Statutes, is created to
30     read:
31          456.52   Dissemination of Educational Information on
32     Prenatal Genetic Disorders.—
33          A health care practitioner that administers or orders a
34     screening or diagnostic test for a prenatal genetic disorder
35     shall, upon receiving a test result indicating a prenatal
36     genetic disorder or the potential for a prenatal genetic
37     disorder, provide the patient educational information made
38     available by the department under s. 381.990. The health care
39     practitioner may provide the educational information in written
40     or electronic form.
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                                           COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE AMENDMENT
                                                   Bill No. HB 1221   (2021)
       Amendment No. 1


41
42           -----------------------------------------------------
43                       T I T L E   A M E N D M E N T
44          Remove line 9 and insert:
45     the act; creating s. 381.990; requiring the Department of Health
46     to publish educational information on prenatal genetic disorders
47     on its website; creating s. 456.52; requiring health care
48     practitioners to disseminate educational information on prenatal
49     genetic disorders under certain circumstances; providing an
50     effective date.
51




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