In response to Florida’s recent six-week abortion ban, healthcare providers in neighboring states such as North Carolina are ramping up efforts to expand availability and decrease wait times for patients seeking abortion services. Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, over 20 states have implemented laws restricting or banning abortions, prompting states with looser regulations to welcome women seeking abortions from areas with more restrictive laws. Some Democratic-controlled states have made it easier for out-of-state women to obtain abortions, with measures such as protecting in-state healthcare workers from investigation for providing abortion to women from states with bans and allowing providers to prescribe abortion pills via telehealth.
States like California, New Mexico, Oregon, and others have dedicated taxpayer money to increasing abortion access, while Florida has seen a rise in the number of abortions performed before the ban took effect. Florida had over 84,000 abortions in 2023, with approximately 14,700 reported by April, potentially leaving many women in need of out-of-state options. Women who are now more than six weeks pregnant in South Florida are at greater distance from legal providers, which could lead to an increase in the average cost of abortions. Organizations like the Women’s Emergency Network and The Brigid Alliance are preparing to assist women in accessing abortions in states with more lenient laws.
The expected influx of patients from Florida has prompted concerns in North Carolina, where 32% of abortions provided at Planned Parenthood clinics are for out-of-state patients. While North Carolina may be a more convenient option for Florida women geographically, the state has its own set of obstacles, such as requiring two in-person visits to a provider 72 hours apart for abortions up to 12 weeks of pregnancy. Providers in North Carolina are working to expand availability and avoid longer wait times for abortions, currently ranging from five to 20 days. The Carolina Abortion Fund and A Preferred Women’s Health Center in North Carolina are adjusting their operations to accommodate the increased demand for services.
Healthcare providers and advocacy groups in North Carolina are already experiencing difficulties due to the rising number of calls and appointments from out-of-state patients seeking abortion services. Providers like Planned Parenthood South Atlantic are making operational adjustments to meet the demand, but challenges remain, particularly in dealing with patients who do not qualify under the state’s laws. The Carolina Abortion Fund, which operates a helpline to assist callers seeking abortion care, has seen a significant increase in calls and requests for assistance since Roe v. Wade was overturned. The center is working tirelessly to accommodate the needs of women seeking abortions, despite facing financial constraints at times.
The situation in North Carolina serves as a preview of what other states, including Florida, may face with stricter abortion laws. Organizations like A Preferred Women’s Health Center are preparing for the potential increase in patients seeking abortions in the wake of bans imposed in other states. As the landscape of abortion access continues to shift, healthcare providers, advocacy groups, and patients are navigating a complex and challenging environment in ensuring reproductive healthcare remains accessible to those in need.
