Provisions of 2016 Abortion Law Permanently Enjoined

On August 18 a federal judge permanently enjoined two provisions of an abortion law passed during the 2016 legislative session. This decision came after U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle issued a temporary injunction in June.

The two enjoined provisions are: 

• A section of the bill preventing state agencies, local governments and Medicaid managed-care plans from contracting with organizations that own, operate or are affiliated with clinics that perform elective abortions
• A requirement that the state Agency for Health Care Administration inspect at least 50 percent of abortion-clinic patient records each year

 
Although the State may still appeal the ruling, the Scott administration agreeed not to pursue further legal action.

FCCB supported the original bill, which also included a requirement that abortionists have admitting privileges or a transfer agreement with a nearby hospital, ensuring women seeking abortions receive the same level of care as those who undergo comparable procedures at outpatient surgical facilities. This provision of the law was not included in the legal challenge and went into effect on July 1.