During the 2024 election, a proposal to enshrine abortion rights into the state constitution failed to secure the required votes. As a result, Florida’s current abortion laws remain unchanged and continue to be in effect.
Navigating Florida’s abortion laws in 2024 requires understanding several key regulations that impact access to services. Here are four crucial aspects to consider:
1. Six-Week Abortion Ban
As of May 1, 2024, Florida enforces a law prohibiting abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, known as the Heartbeat Protection Act. The law does permit abortions if the mother’s life is at risk or in cases of fatal fetal abnormalities.
2. Mandatory 24-hour Waiting Period and In-Person Appointments
Florida mandates a 24-hour waiting period between the initial consultation and the abortion procedure. Patients must attend two separate in-person appointments.
The first is for lab work, ultrasound, education and options information, and a meeting with a physician to discuss the abortion procedure. The second appointment is for the procedure, scheduled at least one day later.
3. Prohibition of Telemedicine for Abortion Services
The state prohibits the use of telemedicine for abortion services. Physicians are not allowed to perform abortions via telehealth, and drugs intended for use in a medical abortion must be dispensed in person by a physician.
This restriction eliminates the option of receiving abortion pills through mail or courier services, necessitating in-person visits for medical abortions.
4. Parental Consent Requirement for Minors
Florida law requires that individuals under the age of 18 obtain parental consent before proceeding with an abortion. This means that a parent or legal guardian must provide written approval for the procedure, adding a step for minors seeking abortion services.
Pre-Abortion Screening
Understanding these regulations is crucial for anyone considering abortion services in Florida. At A Women’s Pregnancy Center, we offer free pre-abortion screening appointments** to support you during this time. Our staff provides free limited ultrasounds to confirm uterine pregnancy and detect fetal heartbeat.
At our center, we do not perform or refer for abortions, but we are committed to being an affordable first step so that you can receive the information and clarity you need before such a big decision.
Contact us to make a free and confidential appointment today.
*All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
**Please note that this does not act as a substitute for an abortion consultation required 24 hours prior to a procedure, as required by the state of Florida.