Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) released the following statement in advance of Florida’s devastating six-week abortion ban taking effect tomorrow, May 1^st. 

“We are now at the start of a dark, life-threatening new chapter for women in Florida,” said Rep. Frankel. “Abortion in Florida is now banned after six weeks, before most women even know they are pregnant. This guts access to abortion care across the entire South region of our country. Women—not politicians—should have the freedom to make their own medical decisions that impact their health, lives, and futures. It will now be up to Florida voters to secure this fundamental right in November.”

Following the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade, Florida has served the last remaining option for women in the South needing abortion care. The six-week ban effectively eliminates abortion access for the entire region, with patients in need of care now being forced to travel hundreds of miles to the nearest state without severe restrictions.

Last month, it was announced that Florida’s November ballot will include an amendment that, if passed, will overrule the ban and enshrine the right to abortion up until fetal viability (about 24 weeks) in Florida’s constitution. It will require a 60 percent vote to pass. Voters can visit votepalmbeach.gov to register to vote, request a mail-in ballot, and find their nearest voting location.

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