North Carolina and Virginia clinics are preparing for the possible influx of patients after Florida becomes stringent with abortion restrictions. The recently approved Florida six-week abortion ban is now being felt by patients and health workers in the southeast.
Impact of Florida's Six-Week Abortion Ban
In 2023, approximately 84,000 abortions were conducted in Florida, making up roughly 1 out of 12 abortions nationwide.
The Guttmacher Institute, an organization advocating for abortion access, reported that over 9,300 individuals traveled to Florida from other states for abortion services last year, a number that more than doubled compared to 2020.
However, following the recent decision by the Florida Supreme Court to permit a ban on abortions after six weeks, healthcare facilities in North Carolina and Virginia are bracing for an anticipated surge in patient numbers.
With this law slated to become effective on May 1, Florida will no longer serve as a haven for individuals seeking abortions in the southern region.
Presently, Florida permits abortions up to 15 weeks into pregnancy, a policy significantly less restrictive than neighboring states like Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi, especially following the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade.
After May, individuals from Florida and other Southern areas seeking abortions will find their closest option in North Carolina, which permits abortions up to 15 weeks but mandates in-person counseling at least 72 hours prior to the procedure.
Virginia stands as the next nearest option. Clinics specializing in abortion services in both North Carolina and Virginia are taking proactive measures to accommodate the expected rise in patient volumes, such as hiring additional staff and extending operational hours.
Providers have been preparing for this scenario since Governor Ron DeSantis signed Florida's six-week abortion ban in April 2023. The ban's enforcement was pending the recent state Supreme Court ruling, which was issued this past Monday.
Expected Patient Surge in North Carolina and Virginia Clinics
A network of clinics, A Woman's Choice, based in Jacksonville, Florida, recently established a new clinic in Virginia in anticipation of the impending abortion ban in Florida.
According to Amber Gavin, the organization's vice president of advocacy and operations, efforts are underway to recruit additional doctors for this new clinic.
Despite these proactive measures, Gavin expressed concerns about the potential surge in demand. "Florida has been experiencing a significant influx of patients from the Southeast, and I worry that neighboring states won't be able to accommodate all Floridians and individuals from the Southeast," Gavin remarked.
Jenny Black, president of Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, echoed similar sentiments, noting that their clinics in North Carolina are ramping up appointment availability. However, these clinics already face a two-week waiting period for abortion services.
"Planned Parenthood staff in North Carolina are working tirelessly to expand capacity and appointments ahead of Florida's near-total ban," Black stated. "But it may not be sufficient to meet the growing demand from across the southern region, leaving patients with limited options."
Additionally, the Bristol Women's Health Center in southwestern Virginia has extended its operating hours to cater to individuals from Florida and other southern states. The center now offers services during the evenings and weekends to accommodate the increased demand.
Karolina Ogorek, the center's administrative director, emphasized the importance of providing choices amidst state-imposed restrictions on reproductive health. "We aim to offer as many options as possible for individuals to access the care they need, especially when their state limits their reproductive choices," Ogorek stated.
