TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - A bill putting new restrictions on abortion in Florida, including ending public funds for Planned Parenthood, is a step closer to becoming law.
The state House passed the bill on a 74-44 vote Thursday. A similar bill is ready for a floor vote in the Senate.
The bill prohibits government agencies, including local health departments, from using public money to contract for any health care services from any organization that also provides abortions.
It also requires that doctors who perform abortions have local hospital admitting privileges or that clinics have patient transfer agreements. And it redefines dates for the trimesters of pregnancy, which affects when abortions can occur.
Supporters say the bill aims to protect women's health, but opponents say it's an unconstitutional attempt to limit access to abortions.
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