Dear Editor:
The ability of women across this nation to control their fate was assaulted Friday, June 24 by the very Court dedicated to protecting the rights of every citizen. The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade has made women in America second-class citizens. An activist court has reversed a nearly 50-year precedent taking legal rights away from women, and they brought their own religious views into the Court’s decisions. But a court decision has provided the women of Florida a sort of restoration of their rights regarding their health choices. I say “sort of ” because this injunction is temporary.
In a verbal ruling on Thursday, Second Judicial Circuit Court Judge John Cooper said he would be issuing a temporary statewide injunction that will go into effect once he signs the written order in the challenge brought by some Florida abortion providers.
The decision is a shortterm victory for women’s health rights advocates in Florida. For the time being, abortion in Florida will remain legal until 24 weeks into a pregnancy, making the state one of the most permissive in the south.
I want to thank the Florida Judicial Circuit Court for this finding and hope that in the final decision, Florida will continue to provide women with equal rights regarding their health choices.
Donna Hart
Chair, Osceola Democrats
