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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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).
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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.
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DATE: 3/5/2021
STORAGE NAME: h1221.PPH.DOCX
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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.
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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
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DATE: 3/5/2021
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
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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CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb1221-00
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
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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F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
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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COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE AMENDMENT
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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