New polling conducted by Ragnar Research for SBA Pro-Life America and the Florida Family Policy Council shows likely Florida voters strongly support protecting human life in the womb once a heartbeat can be detected. Almost three-quarters of voters oppose allowing abortion on demand up until birth. The poll, with a ±4% margin of error, surveyed 500 Floridians statewide from February 27-March 2.
Key poll findings include:
- 62% of Floridians support legislation to protect unborn babies when a heartbeat is detected, with exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother.
- 61% of Independents and 58% of women surveyed support such legislation.
- Hispanic voters were even more likely than others to support the legislation, at 76%.
- Only 22% of likely voters support allowing abortion until the moment of birth.
Florida law currently protects unborn children at 15 weeks of pregnancy, a point by which science shows an unborn baby can feel pain. Though the law is being challenged by pro-abortion groups, it remains in effect. A heartbeat law is estimated to save tens of thousands or more lives each year if enacted.
The Sunshine State also devotes significant resources to support pregnant women and new moms, including $4.5 million in funding for the Florida Pregnancy Support Services Program this fiscal year. Florida pregnancy centers served more than 76,000 women, men, youth and families in 2019, providing services valued at $18.3 million, including nearly $12 million in medical services.
Caitlin Connors, SBA Pro-Life America’s southern regional director, commented:
“Floridians are compassionate and recognize the science of human life in the womb. When an unborn baby’s heartbeat can be detected, that child has more than a 90% chance of surviving to birth. It stands to reason that they and their mothers are deserving of protection in the law. As the 2023 legislative session commences, Florida’s strong pro-life Gov. Ron DeSantis and legislative leaders have the opportunity to keep pro-life success and momentum going, widening the circle of protection to reflect the will of the people and save thousands of lives each year.”
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John Stemberger, president and general counsel of the Florida Family Policy Council, welcomed the new findings:
“When it comes to protecting children in Florida, both born and unborn, we should always do the right thing irrespective of the political consequences. But it is also good to know that over 60% of Floridians want to see an unborn child protected after a detectable heartbeat. This makes a heartbeat bill in Florida good policy and good politics. We will continue to work to protect mothers and their unborn children and advocate for providing help and support for them through both private and public resources. We can and should love them both.”
More than a dozen states have enacted pro-life protections since the Dobbs Supreme Court decision, with the potential to save over 125,000 lives annually. To review the most accurate and up-to-date science of human prenatal development, visit Charlotte Lozier Institute’s groundbreaking Voyage of Life resource.
