Florida’s Six-Week Abortion Ban

For Immediate Release: April 14, 2023

Media Contacts: press@prochoice.org; 202-918-7768

Yesterday, Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida signed into law a six-week abortion ban—replacing the state’s 15-week ban, and further threatening access for millions of Floridians. The six-week ban will take effect only if the Florida Supreme Court rules to undermine or eliminate Florida’s constitutional right to privacy in a pending case.

Statement from Melissa Fowler, National Abortion Federation’s Chief Program Officer:

“This decision is not surprising, but it is devastating nonetheless. This near-total abortion ban is cruel and inhumane, particularly given most people don’t even know they’re pregnant at six weeks. This ban will have devastating impacts on all abortion seekers but it will disproportionately impact Black and Brown people, people living in rural areas, and other marginalized communities who already struggle to access health care. 

Abortion bans do not happen in a vacuum, as we have seen by the growing passage of abortion restrictions across the country. Even with a 15-week ban in place, many people from neighboring states where abortion is entirely restricted were traveling to Florida to access care, and this latest ban will have a ripple effect outside of Florida as patients throughout the region will be displaced and forced to travel greater distances in order to obtain abortion care in a clinic. People deserve unrestricted access to abortion care throughout pregnancy, regardless of where they live. Medical professionals must be able to provide essential care based on science, not the whims of anti-abortion politicians. 

The National Abortion Federation remains committed to helping anyone, no matter their zip code, race, or income, access abortion care. Anyone in any state can call the National Abortion Hotline at 1-800-772-9100 to understand their options and get the assistance they need, whether that’s information about their options, help arranging travel to another state, or funding for their care and travel expenses.”