For Immediate Release: April 14, 2023
Media Contacts: press@prochoice.org; 202-918-7768
Yesterday, Gov. signed Ron DeSantis of Florida passed 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 only take effect if the Florida Supreme Court decides to undermine or eliminate Florida’s constitutional right to privacy in a pending case.
Statement from Melissa Fowler, Chief Program Officer of the National Abortion Federation:
“This decision is not surprising, but it is devastating nonetheless. The almost total ban on abortion is cruel and inhumane, especially since most people do not even know they are pregnant at six weeks. The ban that it will have devastating effects on all abortion seekers but it will disproportionately affect Black and Brown people, people living in rural areas, and other marginalized communities who have difficulty accessing health care.
Abortion bans don’t happen in a vacuum, as we’ve seen with the growing passage of abortion restrictions across the country. Even with the 15-week ban, many people from neighboring states where abortion is completely restricted travel to Florida to access care, and this latest ban will have a ripple effect outside of Florida because patients throughout the region will be displaced and forced to travel greater distances to obtain abortion care at a clinic. People deserve unlimited access to abortion care throughout pregnancy, no matter where they live. Medical professionals should 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, regardless of 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 help they need, whether it’s information about their options, help with travel arrangements to another state, or funding for their care and travel expenses.”
