Welcome to

Legislation making it harder for women in Florida to get an abortion is awaiting a decision from Governor Charlie Crist. Lawmakers sent the legislation to Crist last to give supporters more time to contact the governor. As Whitney Ray tells us, more than 40-thousand emails, phone calls, and letters have poured into the governor’s office trying to influence his decision.

An ultrasound can reveal gender, fingers, and even a beating heart to those who want to view the images. Legislation sitting on the governor’s desk would force women in their first trimester to get an ultrasound before they have an abortion.

Nathan Dunn with the Florida Family Policy Council says the legislation would cut down on the number of abortions.

“It makes abortions rare, it makes them safe, and it makes them legal,” said Dunn.

But opponents of the legislation, like Damien Filer and his political action group Progress Florida, say the legislation raise privacy and financial concerns for women because they would be required to pay for the ultrasound.

“It really is going to adversely impact low income women and women who don’t already have access to health care,” said Filer.

Lawmakers sent the bill to the governor Monday; saving it for last to give people more time to weigh in on the issue.

Governor Charlie Crist has received more than 40-thousand emails, phone calls, and letters from people trying to sway his decision. The majority, 23-thousand, have come from people who want Crist to sign the bill, but Tuesday morning Crist couldn’t tell reporters one thing he liked about it.

Reporter: Is there anything you do like about it?
Crist: No, Not right now.”

Crist removed pro-life language from his campaign website earlier this week, which may be a sign of what’s to come. Crist has until June 20th to sign, veto, or let the bill become law without his signature, but the governor says he will likely act sooner than later.