Since the overruling of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court, there has been a great deal of confusion about the law and the impact it will have on reproductive rights. Reading articles online or listening to podcasts and radio shows makes it hard to discern the truth.
Floridians are left wondering what the ruling means for women. Is abortion completely banned in the state? Is abortion legal anywhere? We’re going to separate fact from fiction in the abortion discussion.
Myth 1: All 50 States Have Banned Abortion
The Supreme Court ruling ends nearly 50 years of federal abortion regulations across the U.S. and returns the ability for individual states to construct their own laws governing abortion. This does not mean that all 50 states have moved to abolish abortion entirely.
At this point, only 8 states have banned abortion. Some states have added restrictions to their current laws, while others haven’t changed their laws at all. However, this is subject to change, as laws are regularly being introduced in response to our new post-Roe climate.
Myth 2: Women Will Die Without Healthcare As A Result Of The Ruling
Some sources state that because abortion is banned or restricted in particular states, women cannot receive the healthcare they need. The truth of the matter is that the ruling does not deny pregnant women life-saving treatment if it is medically necessary.
All states make an exception that if the woman’s life is in danger, she can receive medical attention to save her life if her pregnancy poses a fatal threat to her physical safety.
Myth 3: Florida Has Banned Abortion Entirely
Previously, getting an abortion up to 24 weeks into pregnancy was possible in the state of Florida. Today, it is legal up to 15 weeks into pregnancy following the passing of recent legislation. After 15 weeks, women will not be denied medical care if their pregnancy poses a life-threatening risk. However, this legislation was introduced prior to the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Telemedicine to receive the abortion pill is still outlawed in Florida.
Myth 4: Abortion Is 100% Safe In Florida
Every medical procedure, including abortion, has side effects and potential risks. No abortion can be guaranteed to be 100% safe. Abortion has mental and physical consequences that each woman deserves to be aware of.
There are two main types of abortion: medical and surgical. The abortion pill is a medical abortion method. The FDA approved the abortion pill up to 10 weeks from the first day of a woman’s last menstrual period.
Abortion Pill Risks
- An incomplete abortion
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Fever
- Infection
After 10 weeks, the abortion doctor may perform a surgical abortion. Surgical abortion uses Vacuum Aspiration, which suctions out the pregnancy. Around 15 weeks, the doctor conducts a D & E (dilation and evacuation), which includes vacuum aspiration and a scraping tool.
Surgical Risks
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
How Mosaic Sexual Health Clinic Can Help
We offer free pre-abortion assessments, which include free medical-grade pregnancy testing, free limited ultrasounds, and options for education.
If you’re considering an abortion, Mosaic is a great first step. Our caring team can verify your pregnancy, provide an estimate of how far along you are, and verify intrauterine pregnancy through an ultrasound.
Call or text to schedule an appointment or walk in. Though we do not perform or refer for abortions at our Center, our team is equipped to provide you with truthful and reliable information prior to making a pregnancy decision.