Impact of Florida’s Six-Week Abortion Ban on Access to Services in Other States

The recent enactment of a six-week abortion ban in Florida has sent shockwaves through the Southern and mid-Atlantic states, prompting clinics in neighboring states to prepare for an influx of women seeking services no longer available in Florida.

Health care providers in North Carolina, just three states north of Florida, are already seeing an increase in appointments from women who were unable to access care in Florida. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic’s chief medical officer, Katherine Farris, noted that they are bracing for more patients in the coming weeks.

This trend is part of a larger movement in the United States following the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, with more than 20 states implementing laws restricting or banning abortions. In response, states with more lenient regulations have taken steps to welcome women seeking abortion services.

California, New Mexico, Oregon, and other states have allocated taxpayer funds to increase abortion access, while Florida has seen a rise in out-of-state patients seeking care. With the state’s recent ban on abortions after six weeks of gestation, many women are now looking to travel out of state for services.

South Florida is now the farthest from a legal abortion provider for many women, leading to an increase in costs for those seeking care. Organizations like the Women’s Emergency Network and The Brigid Alliance are gearing up to assist women in accessing care in neighboring states and beyond.

North Carolina, in particular, is expected to see a significant influx of patients seeking abortions, with providers working to expand availability and decrease wait times. However, the state’s laws requiring two in-person visits 72 hours apart present additional challenges for women seeking care.

Despite the obstacles, organizations like Carolina Abortion Fund and A Preferred Women’s Health Center are committed to helping women access the care they need, even in the face of increased demand and limited resources. As the landscape of abortion access continues to shift, these organizations are working tirelessly to ensure that women’s reproductive rights are protected and upheld.

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Republished with permission of The Associated Press.