Florida, a significant access point for abortions in the US with dozens of clinics providing the procedure to tens of thousands of residents and out-of-state patients annually, will see its role drastically change as a six-week abortion ban takes effect on Wednesday (APril 30, 2024). The ban will end Florida's status as a major access point for Southern states with restrictive or near-total abortion bans. According to Kelly Flynn, president and CEO of A Woman's Choice, Florida had been the go-to place for patients seeking abortions due to its more lenient laws.
The number of abortions in Florida increased after the 15-week ban was signed into law due to an influx of out-of-state patients. With approximately 84,000 abortions last year and nearly 8,000 for women from outside the state, Florida has been a crucial access point for those seeking abortion services in the Southeast.
However, with surrounding states banning or restricting abortion after Roe v. Wade was overturned in June 2022, North Carolina is currently the only nearby state that still allows abortions up to 12 weeks but has a long waiting period, making it less practical for out-of-state patients.
As of April 30, Florida's six-week abortion ban will take effect and require most Floridians and other Southerners seeking the procedure to travel much farther. The new law replaces the 15-week ban that went into effect in April 2022. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the bill into law last year, which was confirmed by the Florida Supreme Court earlier this month.
Abortion clinics in Florida have seen a surge in demand before the ban takes effect, with some clinics providing double their usual volume of abortions on certain days. Patients and advocates are also getting the word out on how to access abortion pills by mail as an alternative option.
Florida's six-week abortion ban marks a significant shift in reproductive rights in the state, leaving many patients and advocates concerned about the future of access to essential healthcare services.
