In Florida, as of August 1, this year has seen over 40,000 reported abortions. However, the implementation of a new law that prohibits abortions after six weeks of pregnancy has resulted in a decrease in the number of abortions being performed, as per recently released state data.
According to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration website, the latest data reveals that there have been 40,499 reported abortions as of August 1st this year. This number has increased from the previous totals of 36,221 reported in July and 32,081 reported in June.
The reported increase of 4,278 abortions on August 1 and the increase of 4,140 abortions on July 1 are considerably lower compared to previous months and similar periods last year. It is worth noting that these numbers reflect the impact of the six-week abortion law that was implemented on May 1.
In a report released at the start of June, the total number of abortions increased by 9,672 compared to the total mentioned in the May 1 report.
In the same manner, the total for May 1 showed an increase of 7,674 abortions compared to the total reported on April 1. The report on April 1, in turn, showed an increase of 6,277 abortions compared to the total reported on March 2.
Abortion clinics must submit reports to the Agency for Health Care Administration within 30 days following the end of each month. The timing of the implementation of the six-week abortion limit became somewhat unclear due to delays in reporting.
The reports from July 1 and Aug. 1 provide a two-month overview of decreased abortion numbers. For instance, a report released in early August 2023 revealed a 6,231-abortion increase compared to approximately a month prior, which was 31 percent higher than the 4,278-abortion increase observed during the same period last year.
According to the Agency for Health Care Administration, out of the 40,499 abortions reported this year as of August 1, a majority of 37,551 were performed in the first trimester of pregnancy. Additionally, 2,945 abortions were conducted in the second trimester, while only three were reported in the third trimester. Among the third-trimester abortions, two were categorized as being performed due to fatal fetal abnormality, while the other was performed due to a serious fetal genetic defect, deformity, or abnormality.
In addition, the November ballot in Florida will feature a proposed constitutional amendment regarding abortion rights, following the Supreme Court’s approval. This development sets the stage for what could potentially be the most significant political battle in the state for 2024. In response to the 2022 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, which overturned the historic Roe v. Wade ruling and delegated abortion matters to individual states, proponents of abortion rights have increasingly turned to ballot initiatives as a means to address the issue, not only in Florida but also in other states.
The proposed Florida amendment states that it is not permissible for any law to hinder, punish, postpone, or limit abortion prior to viability or when it is deemed necessary to safeguard the patient’s health, as determined by the patient’s healthcare provider. In order for the amendment to be enacted, it must receive the approval of 60 percent of voters.