Following the Florida Supreme Court’s decision to allow a state ban on abortions after six weeks, clinics in North Carolina and Virginia are preparing for an influx of patients. Once the law goes into effect on May 1, Florida will no longer be a viable option for those seeking abortions in the South. More than 9,300 people traveled to Florida from other states for abortions last year, but with the new restrictions, the closest options will be in North Carolina and Virginia, both of which allow abortions up to 15 weeks with certain requirements.
Abortion clinics in North Carolina and Virginia are adding staff, extending hours, and making preparations to accommodate more patients coming from Florida and other Southern states. Providers have had time to get ready since the law was signed in April 2023, and the implementation was on hold until the recent state Supreme Court decision. Organizations like The Pink House Fund in Mississippi are also working to help cover travel and lodging costs for patients coming from far away. Despite efforts to expand capacity, there are concerns that neighboring states may not be able to meet the demand from the Southeast.
For many women, traveling to get an abortion may not be feasible due to a lack of resources or other circumstances. Florida clinics have trained additional staff to perform ultrasounds and confirm pregnancies, and are trying to see as many patients as possible before the six-week mark. Patients will be required to have two in-person visits to a clinic, 24 hours apart, ahead of an abortion, making it crucial to find out about the pregnancy early on. Florida’s law allows exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother, but there are concerns about the availability of accurate information and support for pregnant women.
The state has set aside $25 million to expand the Florida Pregnancy Care Network, a group of centers that aim to convince women not to have abortions by providing counseling and supplies like car seats and diapers. However, some of these centers have been known to offer misleading or inaccurate information. The fate of abortion access in Florida may change if a proposed amendment to the state’s constitution, aimed at enshrining abortion protections, is approved on the November ballot. Despite the challenges posed by the new law, there is hope that a ballot initiative could lead to a victory for abortion rights.
Overall, the impact of Florida’s new abortion law is likely to have far-reaching consequences for individuals seeking abortion services in the state and across the South. With clinics in neighboring states preparing for an increase in patients, there are concerns about the capacity to meet the demand for these services, especially for those who may not be able to travel long distances for care. The availability of accurate information and support for pregnant individuals will be crucial in navigating the new restrictions and ensuring access to safe and legal abortion services.
