By Florida Catholic staff - Florida Catholic

TALLAHASSEE | On April 13, the Florida legislature passed, and Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law, a prohibition on abortion in Florida after six weeks’ gestation. That same day the legislature passed another bill, which the governor also was expected to sign, that makes it easier for juries to impose the death penalty.

The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops praised the passage of the Heartbeat Protection Act while criticizing the legislature for the other bill, which replaces a current law that requires juries in capital cases to be unanimous when recommending a death sentence. The new law would require that only eight jurors agree to recommend it.

In a statement, Christie Arnold, associate for social concerns and respect life for the FCCB, said:

“With the passage of the Heartbeat Protection Act, life is better respected and protected in the early stages of development. While the bill contains exceptions to the six-week abortion ban, including for rape, incest or human trafficking, it remains a tremendous improvement over current law. As we look forward to a time when all abortions are unthinkable as well as illegal, we know that when this law’s abortion limits take effect tens of thousands of lives will be saved.

“Additionally, we commend provisions in the bill that seek to provide services and material support to pregnant women and their young children. An increase from $4 million to $25 million in state funding for vital pregnancy and parenting support will allow for increased opportunities to address the essential needs of mothers and families.”

She noted that the abortion restrictions in the bill will not go into effect unless the Florida Supreme Court rules to uphold a 15-week abortion ban passed in 2022. “We are hopeful, however, that the Court’s decision will ultimately allow this law restricting abortion after six-weeks’ gestation to go into effect.”

Speaking about the death penalty bill, Michael Sheedy, the FCCB’s executive director, issued the following statement:

“It is stunning that the Florida legislature would weaken a common-sense law passed just six years ago that required unanimous agreement by a jury in order to sentence someone to death. The new legislation requiring only eight of 12 jurors to agree in order to impose a death sentence takes our state backwards to outlier status once again with the lowest standard for imposing a death sentence. The alternative to death of life without parole is a sever sentence that keeps society safe.

“As Florida persists in its implementation of the death penalty, the process should be as reliable and just as possible. Unanimity is required in every other circumstance when a jury is summoned in Florida. The harshest punishment that the state imposes should require the strictest standards.

“We are deeply saddened for the victims of violent crime. We acknowledge the pain experienced by their families and pray they receive comfort and healing in their time of need. The death penalty neither restores life nor alleviates suffering but only perpetuates violence and vengeance.

“The FCCB continues to oppose state-sanctioned killing and remains hopeful that despite this setback Florida will soon join the growing number of states that have ended the use of the death penalty.”