Where Can Florida Women Turn for Abortions After 6 Weeks?

Florida’s recent six-week abortion ban has sent shockwaves through the Southern and mid-Atlantic states, prompting clinics in neighboring states like North Carolina to ramp up their services to accommodate the influx of women seeking abortions.

Planned Parenthood South Atlantic’s chief medical officer, Katherine Farris, reported a surge in appointments from women who were unable to access services in Florida due to the new law. This trend is part of a larger movement in the U.S. following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, leading to more than 20 states implementing restrictive abortion laws.

With Florida recording over 84,000 abortions in 2023 and approximately 14,700 abortions reported as of April 1 this year, many women are now looking to neighboring states for care. However, North Carolina, despite being geographically closer, also presents challenges with its own set of abortion laws, including a requirement for two in-person visits 72 hours apart for abortions up to 12 weeks of pregnancy.

As clinics in North Carolina brace for an influx of patients, concerns about longer wait times and increased costs are rising. Organizations like the Women’s Emergency Network and The Brigid Alliance are gearing up to support women seeking abortions, with plans to assist them in traveling to states with more lenient abortion laws.

The situation highlights the complexities and challenges faced by women seeking reproductive healthcare in the wake of restrictive abortion laws, underscoring the need for continued support and advocacy for women’s rights.