PERRY, FLORIDA — As the Florida Supreme Court hears oral arguments today over the state’s current 15-week abortion ban, Governor Ron DeSantis is speaking out in support of women who feel like they may have no other option.
In an interview with DeSantis released on Wednesday, former Trump press secretary Kayleigh McEnany asked him what he thinks about Senator Marco Rubio’s Unborn Child Protection Act. McEnany said the legislation aims to support vulnerable women by requiring fathers to pay child support from the moment of conception.
“Look, most of these women do not want to have abortions,” DeSantis told McEnany. “But they feel like they have no other options because they get no support.”
“A lot of these men are nowhere to be found,” DeSantis added. “They should absolutely be providing support and should be held accountable.”
NEWS: (1/4) I asked Governor @RonDeSantis about @marcorubio’s “Unborn Child Support Act,” which would require states to enforce child support obligations during pregnancy.
— Kayleigh McEnany (@kayleighmcenany) September 6, 2023
He says, that men “should absolutely be providing support” to women during pregnancy. “They should… pic.twitter.com/WONrdkXgoC
The governor went on to explain how Florida’s recent legislation – SB 300 – includes provisions that support new mothers, not just restrict abortion. While the Supreme Court case outcome will determine the fate of the stricter six-week ban, the portion of SB 300 that covers support services became effective when Governor DeSantis signed the bill in April.
The new law extended pregnancy support, wellness and parenting services for up to 12 months. In addition, the bill added new services and assistance, including counseling, mentoring, educational materials, and classes. Assistance with clothing, car seats, cribs, baby formula, and diapers is also available to those in need.
For the 2023–2024 fiscal year, $25 million in recurring general revenue in Florida is provided to an expanded network of contracted organizations that must spend at least 85 percent of the received funds on providing services.
