Press Release
By Florida Voice for the Unborn
8/18/25
“Florida Voice for the Unborn is outraged that Governor Ron DeSantis has decided to appoint pro-abortion state Representative Mike Caruso (R–Delray Beach) as Palm Beach County’s new Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. In April 2023, Rep. Caruso was one of a handful of so-called ‘Republican’ legislators who voted against Florida’s Heartbeat Protection Act, which safeguards most unborn babies after six-weeks’ gestation from being legally killed via abortion. Rep. Caruso also voted against the 2021 Disability Abortion Ban. Although that legislation was never considered by the state Senate, had it been enacted, it would have prevented abortions in Florida that were based on a diagnosis of genetic disability, such as Down syndrome.”
Shirvell continued, “Make no mistake, this appointment is obscene and a hard slap in the face to pro-life voters who elected and re-elected DeSantis as Governor. While Rep. Caruso’s departure from the Legislature is welcomed because it allows for a possible new, authentic pro-life replacement in time for the 2026 Legislative Session, Florida Voice for the Unborn finds it grossly inappropriate for our pro-life Governor to reward one of his pro-abortion allies in the Legislature with a prized position.”
Shirvell further remarked, “The Governor’s unnecessary feuding with Republican legislative leaders this year has hampered progress in protecting all of Florida’s unborn children from the moment of conception, which remains Florida Voice for the Unborn’s ultimate objective. Rep. Caruso served as one of the Governor’s few legislative lieutenants in the ongoing feud, and it is clear that Rep. Caruso – a real RINO (Republican In Name Only) – is being compensated for his blind loyalty.”
Shirvell concluded, “Speaking of blindness, Governor DeSantis’ selection of a pro-abortion ally for an important local office should serve as a wake-up call to many in the pro-life establishment, such as celebrities Lila Rose, the founder and president of Live Action, and Abby Johnson, a former Planned Parenthood abortion mill director, who have been over-the-top in their praise of Governor DeSantis and overly critical in their assessment of President Donald Trump. In contrast to many other groups, Florida Voice for the Unborn both praises and criticizes pro-life elected officials when necessary. And, therefore, Florida Voice for the Unborn must unequivocally condemn Governor DeSantis’ choice to fill the position of Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller for Palm Beach County with a pro-abortion lawmaker.”
***
Florida Voice for the Unborn is a Tallahassee-based grassroots lobbying group that only focuses on pro-life issues impacting the unborn. It is strictly independent, and its work is guided by faith in God’s only Son, Jesus Christ. Florida Voice for the Unborn supports all peaceful efforts by elected officials and others to end abortion and save lives. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Truth Social, and YouTube @UnbornVoiceFL – and visit our website at FloridaVoiceForTheUnborn.com.
For Their Lives,
Andrew Shirvell, J.D.
Founder & Executive Director
Florida Voice for the Unborn
