Florida’s Catholic bishops again are urging Gov. Ron DeSantis to veto something reasonable and humane that the Legislature has done to minimize abortions. DeSantis vetoed this program last year — which was a mistake. He should approve it this time.
Despite the harsh 15-week ban the Republican leadership passed this spring that the governor signed into law, the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops wants church doctrine to also control how Florida women prevent unwanted pregnancies. That’s far beyond the proper separation of church and state and it elevates doctrine over common sense.
The surest and safest way to minimize abortions is to have fewer unplanned pregnancies. Abstinence, the method that some preach, often gives way to human nature. Contraception is more reliable, but some methods are more reliable than others.
