Abortion restrictions were subject of Tuesday forum in Florida

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — During a meeting with doctors in Jacksonville on Tuesday night, the new abortion restriction in Florida that takes effect after 15 weeks of pregnancy was the primary subject of conversation.

This discussion is taking place in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

“Abortion is on the ballot in November,” said Dr. Jennifer Cowart.

Local doctors think the issue of abortion will finally be determined in the state in the fall, despite the fact that the Supreme Court has removed federal protections and handed power over to the states.

“Women have a sense of fear about the future,” explained Dr. Nancy Staats.

On Tuesday, a Zoom debate focused on the possible effect the state’s 15-week ban may have on the number of abortions. During the debate, an OBGYN by the name of Dr. Staci Tanouye said that “abortion bans and abortion restrictions will not decrease abortion numbers.”

The group says that 91 percent of all abortions in the United States take place during the first 13 weeks of a pregnancy, which is the period during which the procedure may be performed legally in the state of Florida.

According to data provided by the state of Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration, more than 90 percent of the more than 43,000 abortions performed in Florida this year have occurred during the first trimester.

“Making something illegal or the threat of making it illegal can sometimes push people to do things that could result in tragic results, and we definitely want to stop that,” said Dr. Staats.

Pro-life supporters are advocating for a complete ban on abortion.