AHCA: Florida Abortions Fell 14.5% So Far in 2022
This story was updated to include the date the AHCA report was released.
TALLAHASSEE (FLV) – According to 2022’s report by the Agency for Health Care Administration, the number of reported abortions in Florida decreased substantially.
Abortions increased slightly from 2020 to 2021, up to 79,817 from 74,868.
However, in 2022, the year Florida’s 15 week abortion ban was passed and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, abortions took a 14.5% nosedive, with 68,217 being reported – a decrease of more than 10,000. The report from the AHCA was released as of Dec. 2, 2022.
The full yearly report is not yet available, and is expected early this year. Read the rules on abortion providers’ monthly reporting here.
Miami-Dade County witnessed the most abortions for 2022 at 12,703. Broward came in second at 8,979. The Sunshine State reportedly had 5,439 out-of-state abortions.
The U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey in June 2022, not long after DeSantis signed the state’s 15 week abortion ban in April.
“This is a time where these babies have beating hearts. They can move. They can taste,” DeSantis said of the legislation. “We are here today to protect life. We are here today to defend those who can’t defend themselves.”
The law says abortions are banned after 15 weeks unless two physicians certify in writing that, in reasonable medical judgement, the termination of the pregnancy is necessary to save a pregnant woman’s life or stop her from facing irreversible physical impairment other than a psychological condition.
Other exceptions are allowed if two physicians certify in writing that in reasonable medical judgment the fetus has not achieved viability (defined under Florida Statute 390.01112) or that the fetus has a fatal abnormality.
A single physician can certify an abortion in an emergency if the above criteria is followed and another physician is not available.
In June, when Dobbs v. Jackson was officially released by SCOTUS, DeSantis indicated a pro-life stance that aims to further crackdown on Florida abortions.
“Florida will continue to defend its recently-enacted pro-life reforms against state court challenges, will work to expand pro-life protections, and will stand for life by promoting adoption, foster care and child welfare,” DeSantis said in June.
“By properly interpreting the Constitution, the Dobbs majority has restored the people’s role in our republic and a sense of hope that every life counts.”
The 15 week abortion ban law is pending a decision in the Florida Supreme Court as of August. It was reinstated in July, but groups like the ACLU are seeking it be overturned.
