Man behind Dobbs decision now complains women being left to 'back-alley abortion butchers'
The chairperson behind a group's legal opinion that was used to overturn federal abortion rights now worries that women will be left to "back-alley abortion butchers."
Although Matt Staver's Liberty Counsel filed a brief to overturn Roe v. Wade, he believes women could be put in a worse situation after the Dobbs decision that relied on his legal opinion.
During an interview with right-wing podcaster Steve Bannon on Tuesday, Staver explained that abortion rights groups were preparing ballot measures in Florida.
"So in one moment, one fell swoop in this decision, Florida moves from one of the most liberal states in the nation on abortion, to one of the most pro-life states in the nation on abortion," he said.
"But at the same time, the same [Florida Supreme Court] released a four-to-three opinion. That particular case is involving a Florida proposed abortion amendment to appear on the November ballot. That was promoted by Planned Parenthood, and that case has to be argued at the Florida Supreme Court."
"In fact, Steve, it's so broad, no abortion regulation will survive if passed, because even the health and safety regulations will be wiped away," he complained. "Literally, women will be thrown to the back alley abortion butchers, and the state of Florida will have no ability to regulate licensing or health and safety standards in these abortion butchers."
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In 2022, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed a law making abortion illegal after 15 weeks of pregnancy. This move came two months before the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that had legalized abortion nationwide. In April 2023, DeSantis approved a stricter law passed by the state legislature, banning abortion after six weeks of pregnancy. This new law included a provision that it would take effect one month after the state Supreme Court confirmed the earlier 15-week ban.
However, the Florida Supreme Court also made a decision that could potentially change the state's abortion laws again. It allowed an initiative to be placed on the November ballot, giving voters the chance to decide whether to amend the state's constitution to establish a right to an abortion. This decision came despite efforts by the state's Republican attorney general to prevent the initiative from appearing on the ballot.
Abortion rights groups, including Planned Parenthood, have been vocal in their opposition to the bans, citing negative impacts on patients in Florida. With the upcoming vote on November 5, Florida residents will have the opportunity to influence the state's abortion laws directly. This vote will take place alongside the presidential election, adding to the significance of the decision for both Florida and the nation.