Florida’s six-week abortion ban came into effect on 1 May 2024. While there were over 8,000 abortions every month in the state in the first three months of the year, and nearly 10,000 abortions in April, there were just 5,630 in May and 5,200 in June – an average 30% decline following the ban.
While some Florida residents might have travelled to other states for an abortion, the nearest state that offers abortion beyond six weeks is North Carolina, over 500 miles away. Abortions may also have taken place using pills sent from other states.
The neighbouring states of Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas have implemented similar bans after the US Supreme Court’s “momentous day” in 2022.
Abortion in Texas dropped by over 99% because of its own six-week ban (apart from abortions in medical emergencies). There were 14,500 abortions in the state between January and May 2022; during the same period in 2023, there were only 22.
A study found that there were cumulatively 32,260 fewer abortions in the US between July and December 2022 compared with figures before the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Florida’s Heartbeat Protection Act was passed in 2023, banning abortion after six weeks except in such instances as rape, incest and when the mother’s life is found to be at risk.
SPUC Comment
A SPUC spokesperson said: “Thousands of human beings are alive today because of the repeal of Roe, which allowed states like Florida to decide their own abortion limits. The life-saving impact of these laws should not be underestimated.
“While the battle for the right to life is far from over in the United States, these figures show what the pro-life movement is fighting for. The effect will become even more clear when these post-Roe babies mature into adulthood, though they might never know how close they came to being aborted.
“So many futures have been given back in Florida. Life is a wonderful thing, and this should be celebrated.”
