Florida's new abortion law violates religious freedom, a synagogue's lawsuit says

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis holds up a 15-week abortion ban law after signing it on April 14, in Kissimmee, Fla. A synagogue claims in a lawsuit that the law violates religious freedom rights of Jews in addition to the state constitution's privacy protections. (John Raoux/AP)

John Raoux / John Raoux

A new Florida law prohibiting abortion after 15 weeks with some exceptions violates religious freedom rights of Jews in addition to the state constitution’s privacy protections, a synagogue claims in a lawsuit.

The lawsuit filed by the Congregation L’Dor Va-Dor of Boynton Beach contends the law that takes effect July 1 violates Jewish teachings, which state abortion “is required if necessary to protect the health, mental or physical well-being of the woman” and for other reasons.

“As such, the act prohibits Jewish women from practicing their faith free of government intrusion and this violates their privacy rights and religious freedom,” says the lawsuit, filed Friday in Leon County Circuit Court.