Tallahassee, FL – Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 1284, sponsored by Senator Erin Grall. SB 1284 seeks to deceptively erode reproductive freedom in Florida by amending wrongful death statutes in a way that could pave the path to civil lawsuits tied to abortion care.
Kara Gross, legislative director and senior policy counsel of the ACLU of Florida, issued the following statement:
“We are deeply concerned about the real-world consequences of this vague and unnecessary bill. To be clear: this bill isn't about protecting grieving families — it’s part of a broader, deceptive strategy to intimidate abortion providers, patients, and even their loved ones through the threat of civil litigation.
“These seemingly benign ‘civil liability’ bills are intentionally deceptive. The sponsor purports that this bill is about providing benefits to pregnant couples who suffer a horrible tragedy and lose their pregnancy, when in reality, these bills are about further restricting abortion.
“Under existing Florida law, expectant parents already have the right to seek damages for the wrongful loss of their pregnancy caused by a third party. This bill is not only redundant — it’s dangerous.
“Floridians overwhelmingly support the right to make personal medical decisions free from government intrusion. They shouldn’t have to worry about their doctors — or their friends and family — being sued for helping them access legal, essential reproductive care.
“If this bill truly isn’t about policing abortion, then the bill sponsor should have no issue with amending it to explicitly state that it does not apply to abortion-related care. Anything less only confirms the real intent behind it.”
