But advocates for Amendment 4, the abortion rights measure on the ballot this November, say the clarification doesn't do enough.

Florida’s two state health agencies clarified for doctors on Thursday morning that an abortion is allowed at “any stage in pregnancy” to save the life and health of the mother, according to a press release.

“Providers are reminded that Florida requires life-saving medical care to a mother without delay when necessary, and the Florida Department of Health and the Agency for Health Care Administration will take regulatory action when a provider fails to follow this standard of care,” the press release says in bold text.

The release, aimed to dispel what the state called “misinformation” about abortion in Florida, also says “miscarriage is not an abortion” in bold text and warns health care facilities and providers that a failure to provide life-saving treatment for pregnant women may constitute malpractice.

  • snooggumsEnglish
    13•2 months ago

    Proof is required for rape exceptions in Florida’s proposed abortion law

    Also limited to 15 weeks, which is way too short for forcing a decision in normal circumstances, much less from surviving a traumatic event and not necessarily knowing that one is pregnant yet.

    Edit: Found a better article

    Survivors of rape, incest or human trafficking can access abortions until 15 weeks of pregnancy under the new law. But it mandates they provide a copy of a restraining order, police report, medical record or other documentation to their appointment, and providers may be obligated to report the crime in some cases.

    Many survivors don’t feel safe or comfortable reporting assaults, noted Stephanie Loraine Piñeiro, executive director of the abortion fund Florida Access Network. She called the requirements “unrealistic” and “incredibly cruel.”

    As with the previous 15-week ban, there are exceptions to save the pregnant person’s life or avert “substantial and irreversible” bodily harm. But some pregnant women reported they were denied necessary care during miscarriages and other complications due to doctors’ hesitancy about interpreting similar laws.