Will Florida’s strict six-week ban be bypassed by abortion by mail?

Florida's newly enforced six-week abortion ban, known as the Heartbeat Protection Act, is the strictest limitation on the procedure in over 50 years. The law imposes harsh penalties on doctors who provide abortions, risking their medical licenses, and applies to both surgical and medication abortions. However, abortion-by-mail providers are committed to continuing their services, raising concerns about potential circumvention of the law. The ban includes exceptions for rape, incest, and severe health risks before 15 weeks but limits access during a critical time when many women may not yet realize they are pregnant. The article examines essential questions surrounding the legality and implications of medication abortions in Florida, where medication accounted for over 46,000 procedures in 2021.

As the legal landscape evolves, the interplay between state law and the availability of abortion medication may significantly impact women's healthcare. With 60% of Florida abortions performed through medication, the stakes are high for both providers and patients navigating this new terrain. This development highlights ongoing debates around reproductive rights and access in the state.