For years, third-trimester abortions have been illegal in Florida, but that ban could be expanded to any time a doctor thinks a fetus can live viably outside the woman under the bill the state Senate approved Friday, sending it to Gov. Rick Scott's desk.
The legislation would also ban late-term abortions currently allowed for psychological reasons.
Democrats all voted no on the measure, claiming it restricts a woman's right to choose, and that government has no place in that process.
But the bill's sponsor, Lakeland Republican Kelli Stargel, took to the floor to push back, arguing there comes a point when a fetus becomes a person.
"This bill is not taking away a woman's choice," Stargel said. "What this bill is saying is that choice has to be made before that baby is far enough in them to be able to live independently outside the womb."
The issue is now in the hands of Gov. Scott, who is anti-abortion and is expected to sign the bill into law.