Multiple Abortion Restrictions Poised to Become Law in Florida

Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Bills to limit abortions advance in Legislature, by Zac Anderson:

The first major abortion restrictions in Florida since former Gov. Jeb Bush's administration are poised for adoption, marking 2011 as a watershed year for the issue.

House members debated six abortion bills for four hours Tuesday and will formally approve the legislation today. At least four of the bills are still moving forward in the Senate in the final two weeks of the legislative session and are expected to pass that chamber as well, with Gov. Rick Scott voicing strong support.

Under the bills still advancing in both chambers, women seeking an abortion would be forced to have an ultrasound test and banned from using publicly subsidized insurance for the procedure. Lawmakers are also looking to tighten existing rules that require minors to notify their parents before seeking an abortion. . . .