Florida's Six-Week Abortion Ban Takes Effect as Arizona Democrats Push to Repeal Near-Total Ban

Florida's new six-week abortion restriction went into effect on Wednesday, significantly limiting access to the procedure in the state and across the southeastern United States. The law, which was signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, prohibits abortions before most women know they are pregnant and includes limited exceptions for rape, incest, and medical emergencies.

Prior to the restriction, Florida served as a key access point for women seeking abortions from neighboring states with strict restrictions. Last year, Florida abortion providers performed over 84,000 abortions, including more than 9,000 for out-of-state patients. Roughly 60% of Florida abortions occur after six weeks of pregnancy.

Abortion providers in Florida worked to see as many patients as possible before the restriction took effect, but many expect that women will now be compelled to travel long distances to obtain the procedure. The closest options for most Floridians past six weeks of pregnancy are now several states away in North Carolina and Virginia.

Why this matters: The six-week restriction is expected to have far-reaching effects across the region, as Florida was the last stronghold for abortion rights in the American South. Thousands of patients could be affected, with low-income and marginalized communities facing the greatest barriers to access.

Meanwhile, in Arizona, Democrats are making a final push to repeal the state's long-dormant near-total abortion restriction, which was recently reinstated by the state Supreme Court. The 1864 law, which predates Arizona's statehood, bans abortion at all stages of pregnancy except to save the mother's life and provides no exceptions for rape or incest.

The Arizona Senate is expected to vote on a bill to repeal the ban, with two Republican state senators indicating their support for the Democratic-led effort. If the repeal bill is signed into law, Arizona's 15-week abortion ban would become the prevailing law in the state.

Advocates on both sides of the abortion issue have rallied outside the Arizona Senate to emphasize their views. Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes has asked the state's highest court to block enforcement of the 19th century law for a three-month period.

In a related development, Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene announced she will call for a vote next week to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson after he received an endorsement from Democratic leaders. Greene accused Johnson of betraying conservative values, but her effort appears unlikely to succeed as Democrats have pledged to vote to protect Johnson from the "coup attempt."

The six-week abortion restriction in Florida and the ongoing battle over abortion rights in Arizona highlight the shifting legal landscape in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. As states grapple with conflicting laws and ideological divisions, the future of abortion access remains uncertain for millions of women across the country.

Key Takeaways

• Florida's new 6-week abortion ban took effect, limiting access in the state.
• Florida was a key access point for abortions, performing 84,000 in 2022.
• Arizona Democrats push to repeal the state's near-total abortion ban.
• Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene calls for a vote to oust House Speaker Johnson.
• The shifting legal landscape after Roe v. Wade leaves abortion access uncertain.