The Regression of Abortion Rights in Florida

Following Roe v. Wade being overturned in June of 2022 with the decision from Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the federal right to an abortion was taken away. This meant that it was up to individual states to decide how they wanted to proceed with how accessible an abortion would become. This was especially the case for more conservative-leaning states such as Florida. 

Prior to Roe v. Wade being overturned, Florida, like the rest of the country, had laws that protected abortion up until fetal viability, which is around 28 weeks. Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade in June of 2022, a 15 week abortion ban was set to go into place on July 1, 2022. This was the strictest prohibition that Florida had seen on abortion since the Roe v. Wade era. 

The bans did not end there. On May 1, 2024, a 6 week abortion ban was put into effect. This has been controversial in the eyes of many Floridians. People that opposed the ban expressed their concern by stating that many people do not even know they are pregnant at the 6 week mark, while people in favor of the ban have stated that it is “protecting life.” 

An important decision will be made this November when Floridians go to vote. When Floridians go to fill out their ballots, there will be an option to vote on Amendment 4. If they vote yes, it means they are in support to establish a constitutional right to abortion before fetal viability. If they vote no, they are in support of the current bans on abortion in Florida. There are many campaigns in support of voting yes on Amendment 4. For example, the Yes on 4 campaign of Floridians Protecting Freedom aims to spread awareness about the importance of voting yes to give every individual the option to choose what is best for their bodies and lives. 

This November is a very important election as it will determine not only the trajectory of who becomes president, but also provides the opportunity to change the trajectory of abortion laws in Florida. There is the chance that the citizens of Florida will be able to input their own opinions on the abortion bans that have progressed quickly since Roe v. Wade being overturned, instead of just the politicians making decisions. Floridians are finally getting the opportunity to gain some of the rights regarding their bodies back.