Oppose HB 651/SB 476

Senate Bill 476 (a.k.a. House Bill 651) would target abortion providers, abortion-seeking patients, and people who help them by allowing lawsuits for “wrongful death” of an “unborn child”.  

The authors of the bill, Senator Erin Grall and Representative Jenna Persons-Mulicka, have copied this proposed new law from laws passed in abortion hostile states. Senator Grall and Rep. Persons-Mulicka were the author’s of last year’s six-week abortion ban.

Disturbingly, SB 476 opens the door for those seeking abortion care to harassment from their partners or ex-partners via lawsuits seeking damages – a particularly damaging impact on survivors of domestic violence. That’s why the Floridians for Reproductive Freedom coalition has dubbed this bill the “Abuser Empowerment Act.”

Senate President Kathleen Passidomo has effectively halted other dangerous culture war bills this session. We call on her to help stop political interference in our personal medical decisions by putting an end to SB 476. Call Senate President Passidomo’s office now at 850-487-5028.

This bill is in its final committee stop in the Senate, likely to soon appear on the agenda of the Senate Rules Committee.  Please contact all the members of Senate Rules now to encourage them to oppose SB 476. Their contact info is at the end of this message.

Or, reach them all quickly through Progress Florida’s action portal.

Phone script or email template to use when communicating with legislators (You’re encouraged to add your personal stories & values): 

Hi Senator (___),

My name is __________ and I’m a (parent/activist/student/community member/constituent) asking you to vote NO on SB 476 when it is considered by your committee.

The vague language of these bills will lead to extreme government overreach and political interference where it doesn’t belong, in the private health care decisions of Floridians. 

In other states, similar legislation has been used to target abortion providers or to penalize those who help others access reproductive care. These decisions are personal and this bill could be weaponized against patients and survivors of domestic abuse. 

Again, please vote NO on  SB 476 to ensure experiences around pregnancy, abortion, and miscarriage stay between a pregnant person and who they choose to involve. 

Senate Rules Committee Members