Florida

New data reveals surge in Florida abortions before 6-week law took effect

The six-week limit is expected to dramatically reduce the number of abortions performed in the state.

NBC Universal, Inc.

More than 22,000 abortions were performed in Florida this year before a law took effect May 1 preventing abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.

Newly posted data on the state Agency for Health Care Administration website showed a reported 22,409 abortions had been performed as of May 1. That was up from 14,735 abortions a month earlier.

Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Republican-controlled Legislature passed the six-week limit last year, and it took effect after the Florida Supreme Court ruled April 1 that a privacy clause in the state Constitution does not apply to abortion rights.

The six-week limit is expected to dramatically reduce the number of abortions performed in the state.

Voters in November will decide whether to approve a ballot proposal that would enshrine abortion rights in the Constitution.

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