What are the Abortion Restrictions in FL?
Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, states have determined individually whether abortion access will be available or restricted in their state.
In the state of Florida, abortion is available up to 15 weeks of gestational age, unless the woman’s life is endangered by the pregnancy.
If you are under the age of 18, you must have the permission of a guardian or parent to have an abortion. Additionally, Florida requires a separate appointment prior to getting an abortion which will include lab work, ultrasound, education and options, and a meeting to make sure you understand the abortion process.
After that, you can schedule a second appointment for an abortion procedure.
Does Abortion Come With Risks?
There are two different types of abortion: surgical and medication abortion. Medication abortion is only FDA-approved up to 10 weeks (70 days) gestational age and surgical abortion is available up to 15 weeks and 6 days gestational age in the state of Florida.
Risks of the Abortion Pill
According to the Mayo Clinic, potential risks of medical abortion (pregnancy ended by medication) include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Risks of Surgical Abortion
It is important to be aware of associated risks that can come with this type of medical procedure. If your pregnancy is less than 14 weeks gestational age, the main risks of abortion are:
- Incomplete abortion
- Heavy bleeding
- Damage to the cervix (which can affect future infertility according to Cleveland Clinic)
- Sepsis
Next Steps
Now that you understand what is currently legal in the state of Florida as well as the possible risks, you may be wondering where to go from here.
Scheduling your first appointment for the ultrasound and meeting with the doctor can be intimidating, so we offer no-cost limited ultrasounds and consultations in our center.
At First Coast Women’s Services, you can come in for a limited ultrasound and gain more information about the age and health of the pregnancy. We also offer options consultations so you can discuss your options.
You deserve to make a decision from a place of confidence, so we are here to provide evidence-based education in a pressure-free environment. Whether it’s through an ultrasound or a consultation with our staff, we are here to empower you to make the decision that’s best for you.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment!