Child Protection and Accountability in Underage Pregnancies Act, State of Florida – 2025 Legislative Session
- Robinson Joel Ortiz
- Jul 27
- 2 min read
Click here to support this petition:
Problem Statement:
In the State of Florida, the age of sexual consent is 16. Any sexual activity involving a minor under that age is legally defined as statutory rape. Despite this, current law does not require clinics, hospitals, or schools to automatically report pregnancies in minors under 16—or to determine the identity of the individual responsible for the pregnancy.
This legal gap allows potential abusers to go undetected. If the child does not explicitly report abuse, no investigation is triggered, and no DNA testing is conducted, even when the pregnancy itself is clear evidence of unlawful sexual activity.
Proposed Solution:
We propose the Child Protection and Accountability in Underage Pregnancies Act, a bill to:
1. Mandate Reporting:
Require automatic reporting to Florida’s Abuse Hotline and child protection authorities for any pregnancy involving a minor under 16, regardless of disclosure.
2. Trigger Investigation:
Require the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and law enforcement to initiate a formal investigation to ensure the child’s safety and assess potential criminal conduct.
3. Require DNA Testing:
In cases of abortion or live birth, DNA testing of fetal or infant tissue is required to identify the biological father when statutory rape is legally presumed.
Why This Matters:
A 14yearold girl who becomes pregnant has been victimized under Florida law, whether or not she says so.
Current systems place the burden on the child to speak up—but many are too afraid, manipulated, or unaware to do so.
This legislation ensures accountability without interfering in the minor’s access to medical care.
Impact:
Protects minors from continued abuse.
Holds adult perpetrators accountable.
Closes a dangerous loophole that currently shields sexual exploitation of children.
Call to Action:
We urge lawmakers to sponsor this legislation and help bring Florida in line with the fundamental responsibility to protect children.
Click here to support this petition:
To request a copy of the full draft bill, executive summary, and public support materials, please download the draft below or contact:
Robinson Joel Ortiz
Constituent & Advocate
Phone: 407 925 3616
Email: info@robinsonjortiz.net
