1. What are the late-term abortion laws in Florida?

In Florida, abortions are legal until viability, which is generally considered to be 24 weeks gestation. After that point, abortions are only permitted if the woman’s life or health is in danger. All abortions must comply with Florida state law and be performed by a licensed physician. Additionally, parental consent is required for minors and a 24-hour waiting period is mandated.

2. Is there a gestational limit on abortions in Florida?

Yes, abortions in Florida are limited to 24 weeks of gestation.

3. Is there a ban on late-term abortions in Florida?

Yes, there is a ban on late-term abortions in Florida. The state passed a law in 2019 banning the procedure after a fetus reaches 24 weeks of development, with exceptions in cases where the mother’s life is at risk or if the fetus has a severe medical anomaly.

4. Who can authorize a late-term abortion procedure in Florida?

In Florida, a late-term abortion procedure can only be authorized by two physicians with certain qualifications. One of the physicians must be a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and the other must be a board-certified physician who specializes in maternal-fetal medicine, genetics, or pediatric cardiology. Both physicians must certify that the procedure is necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman or to prevent a “serious risk of substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function” in the pregnant woman.

5. How does Florida define a “late-term abortion”?

In Florida, late-term abortion is defined as any abortion performed after the fetus has become viable, which is usually at the end of the second trimester or beginning of the third trimester.

6. Are there any exceptions to late-term abortion bans in Florida?

Yes, there are several exceptions to late-term abortion bans in Florida. These exceptions include: if the mother’s life is in danger, if the pregnancy is a result of incest or rape, or if the fetus has a severe abnormality that would not allow it to live outside the womb.

7. Are there any parental notification laws for minors seeking abortions in Florida?

Yes, in the state of Florida parental notification laws exist for minors seeking abortions. A minor must obtain the notarized consent of one parent or legal guardian before having an abortion. If a minor is unable to obtain parental consent, she may petition a court for authorization.

8. What are the informed consent requirements for abortions in Florida?

Informed consent requirements for abortions in Florida are as follows:

1. The woman must give her written informed consent to the abortion procedure at least 24 hours before the abortion is performed.

2. The abortion provider must provide the woman with verbal and written information about the abortion procedure, risks, alternatives to abortion, and information about the fetus she is carrying.

3. The woman must be informed of her right to review documents describing the fetus and view an ultrasound image of it before the abortion.

4. The woman must be informed of the availability of adoption services in Florida.

5. The woman must be informed that spousal or parental consent is not required for the procedure.

6. The woman must be informed of the risks associated with the procedure, including risk of infection, bleeding, scarring, and infertility.

9. Does Florida require waiting periods for abortions?

Yes, Florida requires a 24 hour mandatory waiting period for all abortions.

10. Are there any laws requiring ultrasounds before abortions in Florida?

Yes. According to the Guttmacher Institute, Florida requires that a physician or qualified health professional must provide an ultrasound prior to an abortion and present and describe the images of the fetus to the pregnant person. The pregnant person must then certify in writing that she has been provided with the opportunity to view the images. A physician or qualified health professional does not need to be present during the viewing.

11. Does Florida have any bans on sex-selective abortions?

Yes, Florida has a ban on sex-selective abortions. The state prohibits a health care provider from performing an abortion if they know the abortion is sought because of the unborn child’s sex.

12. Are there restrictions on public funding of abortions in Florida?

Yes, there are restrictions on the public funding of abortions in Florida. Under Florida law, public funds can only be used to pay for abortions in cases of life endangerment, rape, or incest. Additionally, any healthcare provider receiving public funds must certify that the abortion was necessary for one of these reasons before the state will reimburse them for the cost of the procedure.

13. Does Florida have any laws regulating the sale of abortifacients (drugs that induce abortion)?

No, Florida does not have any laws regulating the sale of abortifacients.

14. Does Florida require counselling before an abortion procedure?

Yes, Florida requires counseling before an abortion procedure. The counseling must be provided by a licensed physician or other qualified person and must cover certain topics. The counseling must take place at least 24 hours before the abortion is performed.

15. Are there any regulations on the disposal of fetal remains after an abortion procedure in Florida?

Yes, there are regulations on the disposal of fetal remains after an abortion procedure in Florida. A licensed health care provider performing a medical procedure that results in a fetal death must provide for the final disposition of the fetal remains in accordance with the laws and regulations of the State of Florida. The fetal remains must be disposed of in a humane manner, typically through cremation or burial, and all reasonable costs for the final disposition must be assumed by the licensed health care provider. Additionally, a woman undergoing an abortion may elect to have final disposition of the fetal remains in a manner consistent with her own beliefs.

16. Does Florida recognize any conscientious objection rights for health care providers who object to performing abortions?

Yes, Florida recognizes conscientious objection rights for health care providers who object to performing abortions. The Florida legislature has passed laws that allow for the conscientious objection of certain providers from participating in abortion procedures. The state’s laws also allow the refusal of referral or counseling regarding abortion or referring a patient to another provider who will perform the procedure. Additionally, state law also requires that the provider inform the patient of their right to seek care elsewhere and provide the patient with a list of other providers in the area where the procedure may be obtained.

17. Does Florida have any laws protecting healthcare providers from being discriminated against for participating in abortion procedures?

No, Florida does not have any laws protecting healthcare providers from being discriminated against for participating in abortion procedures. However, the federal government does have laws that protect healthcare providers from discrimination. For example, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employers from discriminating against employees on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This law is applicable to healthcare providers who participate in abortion procedures as well.

18. Are there any laws concerning the transportation of minors across state lines to obtain abortions in Florida?

Yes. In Florida, minors must obtain written consent from parents or guardians prior to obtaining an abortion. The consent must be given in person at the facility where the abortion is performed or induced. If the minor does not have parental consent, she must obtain a court order from a judge allowing her to have an abortion without parental consent. Additionally, any minor who is brought to Florida from another state to obtain an abortion must have written authorization from the court in the originating state.

19. Are there restrictions on the use of telemedicine for abortion services in Florida?

Yes, there are restrictions on the use of telemedicine for abortion services in Florida. The use of telemedicine is prohibited for abortion services unless it is utilized by a licensed healthcare provider in an Emergency Medical Condition. Additionally, in accordance with Florida Statutes, the physician must meet with the patient in person 24 hours before administering the abortion.

20. Does Florida have any laws criminalizing the performance of self-induced abortions or assisting others with self-induced abortions?

Yes, Florida has criminal laws that make it a crime to perform or assist in a self-induced abortion. Under Florida law, performing or assisting in a self-induced abortion is considered a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000.