New Bill Aims to End Florida’s Contract with Controversial Pregnancy Care Provider
State Representative Kelly Skidmore Introduces Legislation to End $29.5 Million Contract
Florida Democrat Rep. Kelly Skidmore has introduced a bill to end the state’s $29.5 million contract with the Florida Pregnancy Care Network, a private nonprofit with over 95 locations statewide. This move comes as a surprise, as Skidmore has previously targeted the organization in the past.
Controversy Surrounds Florida Pregnancy Care Network
The Florida Pregnancy Care Network is a private nonprofit that provides pregnancy care services, but critics argue that it can be mistaken for a reproductive health clinic. The organization is not subject to regular inspections and does not provide medical care, instead focusing on counseling and referrals to discourage people from accessing abortion services. Critics claim that this is an inappropriate use of taxpayer funds.
Governor Ron DeSantis Also Wants to End Contract
In his “Focus on Fiscal Responsibility” budget, Governor Ron DeSantis has asked to repeal the Florida statute that allowed the state to contract with the Florida Pregnancy Care Network effective July 2025. He also requests that the Department of Health competitively procure a contractor to manage and deliver pregnancy and parenting support services, with quarterly performance reports.
Casey DeSantis’ Organization Could Replace Florida Pregnancy Care Network
Casey DeSantis, the governor’s wife, leads an organization that could be seen as a replacement for the network. She started Hope Florida in September 2021, a state program that helps match struggling residents with navigators who connect them with faith-based organizations, nonprofit, and community groups for support. In January, Ron and Casey DeSantis created a Hope Florida Office within the Executive Office of the Governor.
Legislative Efforts to Increase Oversight and Transparency
Skidmore and state Rep. Anna Eskamani are sponsoring HB 63, titled “Pregnancy Support and Wellness Services,” which seeks to increase oversight of the Florida Pregnancy Care Network. The proposed bill would require clinics receiving state funds through the network to ensure that informational materials given to clients are “medically accurate” and face fines for noncompliance. The bill would also require the Department of Health to perform annual financial audits of the centers and visit each one at least annually to determine compliance with its contractual obligations.
Conclusion
The proposed bills aim to increase accountability and transparency in the state’s contract with the Florida Pregnancy Care Network. Critics argue that the organization’s lack of medical care and regular inspections is an inappropriate use of taxpayer funds. The legislative efforts aim to ensure that the state’s contract with the organization is terminated and replaced with a more transparent and accountable system.
FAQs
* What is the Florida Pregnancy Care Network?
The Florida Pregnancy Care Network is a private nonprofit with over 95 locations statewide that provides pregnancy care services.
* What is the controversy surrounding the Florida Pregnancy Care Network?
Critics argue that the organization can be mistaken for a reproductive health clinic and does not provide medical care, instead focusing on counseling and referrals to discourage people from accessing abortion services.
* What are the proposed bills aimed at increasing oversight and transparency?
HB 63, sponsored by Skidmore and Eskamani, would require clinics receiving state funds through the network to ensure that informational materials given to clients are “medically accurate” and face fines for noncompliance. The bill would also require the Department of Health to perform annual financial audits and visit each center at least annually to determine compliance with its contractual obligations.
