West Palm Beach, FL – Today, Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-22) released the following statement as the Florida Supreme Court heard opening arguments in Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida, et al. vs. the State of Florida—the case to determine the legality of Florida’s 15-week abortion ban. If the court upholds the 15-week ban, the more recently passed six-week ban will then go into effect. If the Court strikes down the 15-week ban, abortions will once again be legal up until 24 weeks of pregnancy.

“Today’s Supreme Court case will carry massive ramifications for women across Florida and the entire Southeast,” said Rep. Frankel. “Governor DeSantis’s cruel abortion ban would restrict access to abortion care before many women even know they are pregnant. Women should have the freedom to make the decision of when or whether to start or grow a family without interference from politicians.”

The Republican-controlled State Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis approved a six-week abortion ban last spring, but it is contingent on the outcome of the challenge to the 15-week ban that the court is hearing today. If the court sides with the state, the six-week ban will go into effect as soon as 30 days after the ruling.

There is no set timeline for when the justices will make a ruling, but abortion providers are preparing for a decision as early as next month.

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