rich 1.0 Action Network https://actionnetwork.org <link href='https://actionnetwork.org/css/style-embed-v3.css' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css' /><script src='https://actionnetwork.org/widgets/v6/letter/tell-the-florida-legislature-stop-senate-bill-164?format=js&source=widget'></script><div id='can-letter-area-tell-the-florida-legislature-stop-senate-bill-164' style='width: 100%'><!-- this div is the target for our HTML insertion --></div> Progress Florida https://actionnetwork.org/groups/progress-florida https://can2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/share_options/facebook_images/000/596/687/original/victory!_(9).png It’s back for a third time: Senator Erin Grall (R- Fort Pierce) has yet again filed a bill to give embryos and fetuses the same rights as living people. Senate Bill 164 (HB 289) is written to appear as though it creates a path to seek justice if a family loses a pregnancy because of someone else’s negligence, but here’s the thing: Florida law already allows that. The sample letter you can customize (optional) can be reviewed on the next page when you click on the “Write Letter” button. So what would really happen if this bill passes? The partner, abuser, or rapist of someone who lost a pregnancy or accessed an abortion would have the right to sue who they believe was responsible. Furthermore, if embryos and fetuses have the same rights as the patient who is pregnant, that means lawyers, not doctors, will be consulted if that patient needs health care, including in an emergency. What could happen under SB 164? Abusive partners sue their ex-girlfriends’ friends and doctors, alleging they helped her access an abortion. Pregnant patients struggle to find providers for emergency care because doctors have to consult with lawyers before intervening, if they do at all. IVF and fertility centers close due to astronomical increases in liability insurance. Patients are investigated for their miscarriages and pregnancy losses. Cancer patients are denied care solely because they’re pregnant. Make no mistake: this bill is part of a long-term strategy to make reproductive health care like abortion, IVF, and emergency care ultimately impossible to access. Every pregnancy is unique with complex circumstances that can change at any point along the way. https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-the-florida-legislature-stop-senate-bill-164