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What is Dobbs?
On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States issued its landmark ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The ruling overturned Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, holding that the right to privacy under the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution does not protect a woman’s decision to obtain an abortion and that states have the authority to pass laws regulating and prohibiting abortion procedures throughout all stages of pregnancy.
Statement on U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization | Spanish
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Legal Landscape of Abortion in Florida
Florida law currently allows abortions to take place until 15 weeks gestation, although this law is in the midst of legal challenges. Women seeking abortions must wait 24 hours after receiving informed consent disclosures before undergoing abortion procedures. Additionally, minors must receive parental consent before obtaining abortions.
During the 2022 Florida Legislative Session, legislators passed and Governor DeSantis signed into law a ban on abortion after 15 weeks gestation. In response, several pro-abortion organizations sued the state of Florida challenging the constitutionality of the new law. On June 30, a circuit judge said he would enter a temporary injunction preventing the law from going into effect. Attorney General Ashley Moody promptly appealed that ruling. With her appeal, the injunction is stayed and the law remains in effect while the challenge works its way through the judicial system. We ask for prayers for the judges, justices, clerks and court staff who may handle this case, for the attorneys defending the law, and for an ultimate understanding of the Florida constitution that ratifies legal efforts to protect the dignity of the unborn. In 2023, the Florida legislature passed and Governor DeSantis signed into law a six-week abortion ban, which will go into effect if the restrictions on abortions after 15-weeks is upheld by the Florida Supreme Court.
Florida's ability to regulate abortion has been hampered by a wrongful ruling by the Florida Supreme Court. In a 1989 decision, In re T.W., an amendment to the Florida constitution that was widely presented as a right to informational privacy was misinterpreted by the court as providing a fundamental right to abortion. The court's ruling may need to be revisited so that some Florida laws prohibiting pre-viability abortion procedures can be upheld.
Additional Florida laws related to abortion include requiring abortionists to have admitting privileges or abortion facilities to have transfer agreements with hospitals within 30 miles by emergency vehicle; allowing women to leave a baby up to 7 days old at a hospital, emergency medical services stations or fire station in Florida; and requiring the proper disposition of fetal remains.
For further information on abortion laws in Florida, see our brochure Protecting New Life in Florida: A Comprehensive Review of Key Laws and Policies | Spanish
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Florida's Current Abortion-Related Trends
In 2021, 79,817 abortions occurred in Florida, up from 70,239 in 2018. In 2010 in Florida, 49% of unplanned pregnancies resulted in births and 38% in abortions, while the rest resulted in miscarriages. The Florida teen birth rate has dramatically declined by 78% between 1991 and 2020; in 2020 there were 8,920 births to teenaged mothers.
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Help for Mothers in Need
Florida Pregnancy Support Services
Pregnancy centers can be found all over Florida and are staffed with compassionate professionals who provide counseling, training, and free resources.
A Safe Haven for Newborns
Offers assistance to pregnant mothers and provides anonymous alternatives to infant abandonment.
Florida confidential helpline: 1-877-767 BABY (2229)
Project Rachel
Offers post-abortion counseling for both women and men experiencing grief and suffering after an abortion.
Click on the link to find a local ministry or call 1-888-456-HOPE (4673). All calls are confidential.
Walking with Moms in Need
A USCCB intiative for Catholic parishes and communities to support and "walk in the shoes" of local pregnant and parenting women in need. Educational, pastoral, and action-oriented resources are provided for parish use.
Catholic Charities
Local diocesan offices of Catholic Charities provide assistance for mothers and families in need.
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Advocacy Opportunities
Join the Florida Catholic Advocacy Network (FLCAN)
FLCAN was established by the bishops of Florida to educate and mobilize Catholics across Florida’s seven dioceses on public policy issues pertaining to life, dignity, and the common good.
Take Action Now
Take action on any FLCAN active issues by sending messages directly to your state elected officials.
Catholic Days at the Capitol
This annual event held in Tallahassee during the legislative session, provides Catholics from across the state an opportunity to actively practice faithful citizenship. Participants meet with lawmakers and/or their staffs and advocate for laws that promote and protect human life and dignity at all stages.
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Action Center
Take action on legislation at the federal level.
Human Life Action: A Project of National Committee for a Human Life Amendment (NCHLA)
Provides opportunities for education and advocay at the federal level for pro-life legislation.
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Diocesan Respect Life Offices
Learn about the events and activites of your diocesan respect life office to protect and promote the sanctity of life:
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