Photo byNicola Giordano/Pixabay

In the recent six-week abortion ban, the bill outlines penalties like jail time and fines, which Governor DeSantis clarified in an interview apply to providers, not pregnant women. I interviewed three Tampa women to get their thoughts on this significant issue.

The Issue: Abortion Penalties Are for Providers Only

Florida's six-week abortion ban has many penalties including jail time and fines, but Governor DeSantis assured that there is no reason for pregnant women to worry about penalties, despite how vague the bill is written.

Governor DeSantis stated, "That’s for the providers, that’s not for the women...That [penalizing women] will not happen in Florida."

3 Tampa Women Speak Up

I interviewed three Tampa women to see what they thought of our governor's response to this urgent issue. Here's what they said:

Alice stated, "I saw the bill too, and it definitely makes it sound like women will be penalized. The language in the bill needs to be crystal clear, otherwise, courts will take it and twist it to their liking. What DeSantis says in an interview holds very little say in a court of law. What they're going to look at is the law."

Maya stated, "I'm relieved to hear Governor DeSantis clarify that the penalties are for providers and not women. Women facing difficult choices regarding their pregnancies should not be criminalized."

Hannah stated, "While it's good to know that the penalties are not for women, this bill still concerns me. It restricts access to abortion services. We should focus on supporting women and families with the resources and options they need rather than imposing abortion bans."

What do you think? Do you think that the abortion penalties will include women in a court of law? Should they? Let me know in the comments below.

*Please note: Names have been changed to protect the anonymity of Florida residents.