On April 13, the Florida legislature approved a near total abortion ban (prohibiting abortions after six weeks of pregnancy). Two days later, the Governor signed the measure, but it will take effect only if the state’s current fifteen-week ban is upheld in an ongoing challenge currently before the state Supreme Court. The Florida ban includes limited exceptions for instances involving rape and incest. Critics note that the requirement an alleged victim present “evidence” of their assault, such as a restraining order, is tone deaf and apt to serve as a barrier to care.

In Florida, on the first day of its legislative session in March 2023, Republicans introduced companion bills in the House and Senate to further restrict access to abortion (Florida HB 7 and SB 300, the “Pregnancy and Parenting Support” Acts.). The proposals would amend the state’s current 15-week abortion ban law to make it a six-week ban. The state’s Republican governor has indicated he will sign such measures if they reach his desk.

Abortion choice proponents in Florida have challenged the states’ laws on grounds that they violate individuals’ religious freedom. Anti-abortion advocates, in response, also hold up religious freedom as a plausible defense to being required to perform or otherwise facilitate the procedure. The rulings in these cases, all of which remain outstanding at time of publication, will set important precedent.