Governor DeSantis Urges Lawmakers to “Ignore the Background Noise” as Florida Republican Files Six-Week Abortion Ban

On Tuesday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis delivered his State of the State address, outlining his plans for the coming year and asserting that his landslide victory in November was a “vindication” of his first term agenda. DeSantis encouraged lawmakers to “ignore all the background noise” as they tackle a lengthy list of priorities that are sure to enrage Democrats but animate future Republican primary voters.

The same day, a Florida Republican filed a six-week abortion ban, which would restrict abortion care earlier than the current 15-week ban. Most people don’t know they’re pregnant before six weeks, meaning this legislation could be a major barrier to critical services for those in the southeast who seek care in Florida because their own states have banned abortion following the fall of Roe v. Wade.

DeSantis’ speech was conspicuously void of the divisive rhetoric that has fueled his political ascent, but his agenda still signals another round of cultural wars is coming in the weeks ahead. He urged lawmakers to “shoot for the stars” and “swing for the fences” in the coming year.

The Governor’s speech and the proposed abortion ban have sparked debate among both sides of the aisle. Supporters of the ban argue that it will protect the lives of unborn children, while opponents argue that it will limit access to a legal medical procedure and infringe on the rights of women. It remains to be seen how the proposed legislation will be received by the public and the courts.