Opposition to 15 Week Abortion Ban
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 14, 2022
Contact: Stephanie Loraine
Email: info@flaccessnetwork.org
The Florida Access Network Stands in Strong Opposition to the Proposed 15-week Abortion Ban
All people deserve access to abortion care when they need it, on the timeline they choose.
(Orlando, FL) -. The Florida Access Network, an abortion fund that provides community care by relieving barriers to accessing abortion in Florida, strongly opposes the 15 week abortion signed into law by Florida Governor Desantis. Going into effect July 1, 2022 this abortion ban policies will prevent Floridians from obtaining abortion care after 15 weeks and will undoubtedly have the worst impact on people who face existing barriers to abortion care.
“Too many people in Florida already face compounded obstacles to abortion care because of systemic injustices in our state. For those people, this ban could push care completely out of reach. Floridians must be trusted to make their own pregnancy decisions, free from political interference.” says Stephanie Loraine, Florida Access Network, Co-Executive Director.
Everyone deserves the freedom to make their own decisions about their bodies and their lives — including the decision to have an abortion. When any healthcare option is limited it disproportionately impacts communities that have survived systemic oppression and people who hold multiple marginalized identities. And that’s exactly what this ban will do. With such a restriction in place, people who need abortions in Florida could be forced to travel as far as North Carolina for their care. This is unrealistic, unaffordable, and incredibly cruel.
Last year was the worst year on record for anti-abortion legislation with over 600 restrictions proposed across the country. Florida lawmakers have joined this attack by filing multiple bills that threaten bodily autonomy and freedom. In addition to these bans on abortion, the Florida legislature is also deliberating on anti- LGBTQ legislation that would force students, teachers, and staff to remain silent about who they love, or be put at risk. Overall, these laws that diminish our freedom and promote shame are not in line with who we are as Floridians. They are dangerous and undermine the safety, health, and wellbeing of people in our state. Instead, it’s time for state lawmakers to prioritize policies that promote health and support families and individuals to live their fullest lives, like expanding Medicaid access and raising wages.
“Abortion bans are designed to shame people, providers, and abortion care workers into silence. But we stand firm that abortion is nothing to be ashamed of,” said Stephanie Loraine. “With or without this restriction in place, Florida Access Network will continue doing what we’ve always done: caring for our callers with compassion, supporting Floridians navigating abortion care, and disrupting abortion stigma. ”
