Photo by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Office.
Florida’s 6-week abortion ban went into effect May 1, 2024. Senate Bill 300 prohibits physicians to terminate a pregnancy after the first 6 weeks (gestational age) of a term. This bill was announced April 1, 2024, one day after the celebration of Women’s History Month ended.
In 2023, there were roughly 84,000 abortions in Florida according to the Agency for Healthcare Administration. This bill creates stricter laws around abortion, which could reduce the number for 2024.
SB 300, Pregnancy and Parenting Support, is also mentioned as the Heartbeat Protection Act or House Bill 7. This makes it illegal for physicians to assist an abortion after the allotted days. Physicians will receive a felony in the third degree if breaking this law. They will receive a felony of the second degree if their patient dies.
“We are going to have less access to care for our general population even if its just basic maternity care, normal OB-GYN care, because people are leaving,” fertility specialist Dr. Leah Roberts tells Associated Press.
The abortion ban bill gives an exception for woman with certain circumstances. Women who have not reached their third trimester and have two written notes by physicians confirming the fetas has fatal fetal abnormality will be able to get an abortion.
Women that have been a victim of rape, incest and human trafficking no longer than 15 weeks of their term may be able to obtain an abortion. There will need to be provided evidence of legal documentation. The documents can consist of a restraining order, police report, medical record or a court order.
Pregnant women who are at severe risk of irreversible physical impairment of the human body will be able to get the medical needs for an abortion. This does not include any psychological condition.
Those eligible for an abortion may only see a physician in person, as Telehealth is not allowed with any circumstances.
The bill also requires physicians to report to law enforcement for any known or suspected victims of human trafficking if over 18 years of age or older. For minors, they must report any incident they know of rape, incest and human trafficking to the 1-800-962-2873, the central abuse hotline.
Section 3 of SB 300, Pregnancy Support and Wellness Services, confirms that the state will continue to provide services for pregnancies. This will include access to materials such as cribs, car seats, clothing, formula and diapers. They will continue services with direct client, counseling, mentoring, education materials and classes.
Those eligible for services are pregnant or suspected pregnant woman and their families, along with woman who have given birth within twelve months or parents who have adopted a child younger than 3 years old.
Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 300, April 13, 2024, and has not spoken outwardly about the content.