A Florida lawmaker has filed a new bill that would ban abortions in the state if a fetal heartbeat is detected.
The bill, HB-235, would make it a third-degree felony for a doctor to perform such abortions, and would also redefine an "unborn fetus" as an "unborn human being."
"Consider the rights of that unborn baby," Republican Rep. Mike Hill, who sponsored the bill, told WFLA.
Florida currently allows abortions up to 24 weeks. Hill says a fetal heartbeat can usually be detected after 18 days, but Planned Parenthood says it's six weeks.
Planned Parenthood's Kimberly Scott called the heartbeat bill "the most dangerous bill that we have seen for reproductive health in the Florida legislature."
The bill would give limited exceptions if the pregnant woman's life is in danger.
"My oath said that I would protect life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Life being the first one," Hill said.
