As Florida voters head to the polls to decide on Amendment 4, which would enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution, new data reveals a significant drop in the number of abortions performed in the state.
According to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, abortions in Florida decreased by 18.7% in the first ten months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This decline follows the implementation of a law in May that largely restricts abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.
READ: Florida Sees High Voter Turnout With Over 8 Million Early And Mail-In Ballots
Key takeaways from the data:
- Overall Decrease: 52,753 abortions were reported in Florida from January to October 2024, compared to 64,918 during the same period in 2023.
- County-Wide Trend: The decrease in abortions is evident across counties throughout the state.
- Fewer Out-of-State Patients: The number of out-of-state residents seeking abortions in Florida also dropped significantly.
Amendment 4, on the ballot now, proposes to protect the right to abortion before fetal viability or when necessary to protect the patient’s health. The outcome of this vote will significantly impact abortion access in Florida.
READ: Six Constitutional Amendments On Florida’s November 5 Ballot: What You Need To Know
This data underscores the impact of recent legislation on abortion access in Florida and highlights the significance of the upcoming vote on Amendment 4. The results of the election will determine the future of abortion rights in the state.
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