The Nation - News from July 26, 1989

Florida Gov. Bob Martinez called a special legislative session for October to consider new restrictions on abortions. In a letter to state House and Senate leaders, the governor called for legislation to block the use of tax money, public facilities and public employees for abortions, and for tougher licensing standards for abortion clinics. He also urged that the period of pregnancy in which the state does not restrict abortion be shortened, to five months from six months. The call for a special session to begin Oct. 10 was a reaction to a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that allows states greater leeway in regulating abortion. Martinez said he does not want to stop rape or incest victims from getting abortions, or women whose lives are threatened by a pregnancy.