Florida’s ban on abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, which took effect just after midnight on Wednesday, has significantly reduced abortion access in the state. Previously, Florida was a haven for abortion access in the South following the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade. However, with the new law in place, it is now a felony to perform or participate in an abortion after six weeks’ gestation, with exceptions for cases of rape, incest, human trafficking, and to save a woman’s life or prevent physical impairment. The law has caused concerns among abortion providers, who believe it will lead to delays in care and increased health risks for women.
Abortion providers in Florida worked to see as many patients as possible in the weeks leading up to the ban taking effect. However, some patients were unaware of the restrictions and timelines, leading to confusion. Florida also requires two in-person visits to a clinic, 24 hours apart, before an abortion can be performed, a rule that many patients are not aware of. For individuals like Cassie, a 20-year-old native Floridian who had her first consultation at an abortion clinic days before the ban, the new law poses challenges as she navigates her options for family planning.
Anti-abortion-rights groups have applauded the new law, citing Florida’s efforts to provide resources and financial support to pregnant women considering abortion. The state has allocated $25 million to expand the Florida Pregnancy Care Network, a group of crisis pregnancy centers that offer counseling and support to women facing unplanned pregnancies. In light of the ban, the Florida Access Network, a fund that supports individuals seeking abortions in the state, is prepared to assist patients with accessing care in nearby states where abortion laws are less restrictive.
With nine Southern states having total abortion bans and nearby states like Georgia and South Carolina also restricting abortions early in pregnancy, individuals in Florida must now travel further to access abortion services. Options in North Carolina and Virginia, where abortions are allowed up to 15 weeks, are likely to be more common for individuals seeking care. A Woman’s Choice, a network of abortion clinics that operates locations in Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia, has opened a new clinic in Virginia in anticipation of the ban. Despite these efforts, many individuals may struggle to access care due to financial or logistical barriers.
The impact of the ban is evident in the experiences of women like Cassie and others who face uncertainty and challenges in accessing abortion care in Florida. With restrictions in place, more women may be forced to carry unwanted pregnancies or travel long distances to obtain abortions. Abortion providers and support organizations are working to guide individuals through their remaining legal options and provide assistance with logistics, travel, and resources needed to access care in other states. The ban has significantly shifted the landscape of abortion access in Florida, leading to increased reliance on neighboring states for individuals seeking reproductive healthcare services.