How to Navigate Florida’s 6 Week Abortion Ban

In the wake of Amendment 4 failing to pass, it is crucial women understand the implications of Florida’s strict abortion laws

Credit: NBC News

This past week, the entire country held its breath as millions of Americans cast their votes all across 50 states. Eyes turned towards the presidential candidates as the ballots were counted, but in Florida, along with many other states, this election was about more than just president and vice president.

Floridians had the chance to vote on Amendment 4, which stated that no law could restrict abortion before viability– a point most healthcare professionals determine to be around 24 weeks. This would reinstate the protections Floridian women were granted under Roe v. Wade. However, the amendment failed to pass, despite a majority (57%) of voters casting their ballot as for “yes” in the hopes of restoring reproductive rights for women of Florida.

With the amendment’s failure, Florida remains under a 6-week abortion ban, which took effect May, 1 2024. In the wake of this decision, it is more important than ever that women in Florida understand their rights and how to safely practice sex.

Know Your Rights and the Implications of the 6-Week Ban

Florida’s 6-week abortion ban in Florida allows women to obtain an abortion up until six weeks after conception, not six weeks from the time they learn they are pregnant. This restriction often puts women in a difficult position, as most are unaware of their pregnancy at such an early stage. In some cases, a pregnancy may not even be detectable on an ultrasound until or even after the 6-week mark.

As a result of this strict ban, women who do not discover their pregnancy early enough are forced to carry their pregnancy to term or travel to another state in order to receive the necessary healthcare to terminate their pregnancy. Traveling can be difficult for many women, who may lack the means to spend several days away from home. 

The 6-week ban applies to both medication abortions and surgical abortions. It also extends to mail, meaning that it is illegal to receive the medication necessary for a medication abortion via mail from another state. The medication for abortion must be dispensed in person by a physician in order to be considered legal.

While there have been documented cases of exceptions to the 6-week rule in cases of rape or incest, it can still complicate matters for survivors. It is required that in order to receive an abortion after 6-weeks as an exception due to rape or incest, documentation of the assault must be provided. Documentation that will be accepted includes a formal police order, medical order, or court order. This is not always possible in dangerous situations or situations of abuse.

To be clear, abortion after 6-weeks is not just prohibited in the state of Florida for women, it will be considered a felony crime for doctors performing abortions.

Staying Safe in the Wake of Amendment 4 Failure

Following the state decision to fail Amendment 4 and keep the 6-week ban in place, it is more important than ever to practice safe sex in order to protect yourself and your body (if the government refuses to.) There are multiple forms of birth control that remain legal in the United States.

The most effective forms of birth control are the implant and the intrauterine device (IUD). The implant is 99% effective and lasts up to 5 years, with the price being dependent on insurance coverage. Likewise, there are varying types of IUDs each lasting for differing amounts of time, ranging from 3 to 12 years. IUDs are also 99% effective, with prices varying based on insurance plans.

Other highly effective forms of birth control, that may be more affordable, include the shot, the vaginal ring, and the patch. The shot is 96% effective, but must be received routinely every 3 months. The ring is 93% effective which must be routinely placed and removed monthly. The patch is also 93% effective, and it must be replaced weekly.

The most commonly used forms of birth control include the pill and condoms. The pill is 93% effective, and it must be taken on a daily schedule. There are varying types of the birth control pills that can be prescribed by healthcare professionals on an individual basis. Condoms are only 87% effective, and they must be used every single time one engages in sexual intercourse. 

There are other forms of birth control including internal condoms and diaphragms. In addition, multiple forms of birth control can be used simultaneously. For example, it is a healthy practice to use condoms despite using other forms of birth control in order to protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

The results of the decision made on Amendment 4 may be discouraging to women living in the state of Florida. It is incredibly disheartening that longstanding rights to women’s own bodies are being stripped. It is crucial women learn about the rights they do still possess as well as doing everything in their power to protect themselves and their health. Education and advocacy for access to women’s healthcare are as important as ever. The strength, resilience, and power of women cannot be lost, and we must not lose sight of the goal of reproductive freedom.

“This is not a time to throw up our hands. This is a time to roll up our sleeves.”

For more information about birth control or navigating affording birth control, visit https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control. 

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Gianna Gallo is a junior studying Applied Physiology and Kinesiology and Women’s Studies. She hopes to one day work in women’s healthcare where she can advocate for the rights and freedoms of women.