Florida's Near Total Abortion Ban Has No Real Exceptions for Rape, Incest, or the Health of the Woman.

Florida politicians have put up barrier after barrier and added red tape, and now it's nearly impossible for rape survivors to get the care they need.

The stories are real and they are heartbreaking.

A 10-year-old child in Ohio was raped and became pregnant. At just 6 weeks pregnant, an abortion ban in Ohio prevented her from getting the care she needed in her own state. This child was forced to leave home to get an abortion, otherwise she would have been forced to carry and give birth to her attacker's child.

That is the type of tragedy that can happen here under Florida’s extreme abortion ban.

The consequences are tragic.

Some women have reported going to doctors, then the police, only to wait for weeks. Then it's too late, and rape victims are being forced to carry their attacker's child.

Doctors agree:

Dr. Marian Sampson

Florida OB-GYN

“I have treated rape survivors since the ban went into effect. We have tried to take the steps that Florida politicians have required. It was jarring for me, it was jarring for the police officer, it was traumatic for the patient, and we are still not sure that she can get the abortion she needs. I can say with confidence that there are no real exceptions for rape survivors.”

Dr. Sara Connolly

Florida Pediatrician

“Child survivors come to their pediatrician’s office because it is where they feel safe and comfortable receiving care. The family is scared and seeking counseling about the child’s risk of pregnancy or disease. When I explain that a pregnancy must be aborted by 6 weeks or they must prove the ‘exception for rape’ by involving law enforcement, they are shocked.

Having faced the worst moments of their life, the child must relive them and be questioned about them by police. They have to prove they were raped. Rape ‘exceptions’ are written to make the general public feel better, but victims of rape pay the price and it’s just cruel. I support children and families in their most vulnerable moments and I am voting YES on Amendment 4.”

Dr. Tommy Schechtman, MD, MSPH, FAAP

Florida Pediatrician

Former President of the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FCAAP)

“As a pediatrician, along with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), I am in full support of the passage of Florida’s Amendment 4, preserving the right of my adolescent patients‘ access to legal, safe, and comprehensive reproductive healthcare services and abortion care. I agree with the AAP that adolescents should be encouraged, when safe and appropriate to seek parental or trusted adult guidance and support when considering their pregnancy options. This is the same confidential approach I take with my adolescent patients when discussing any healthcare issue including their mental health, physical health, and reproductive care issues. I always offer to help facilitate a teen’s communication with their parents when having to make important healthcare decisions. This often results in sitting down with both my patient and their parents together in the exam room exploring each other’s respected feelings, no matter what the topic is.

Please join me is voting YES for Amendment 4, ensuring that adolescents in Florida continue to have access to safe and confidential advice from their physicians. Thank you.”

Dr. Marian Sampson

Florida OB-GYN

Dr. Sara Connolly

Pediatrician, Palm Beach Gardens, FL

“Child victims come to their pediatrician’s office because it is where they feel safe and comfortable receiving care. The family is scared and seeking counseling about the child’s risk of pregnancy or disease. When I explain that a pregnancy must be aborted by 6 weeks or they must prove the “exception for rape” by involving law enforcement, they are shocked.

Having faced the worst moments of their life, the child must relive them and be questioned about them by police. They have to prove they were raped. Rape “exceptions” are written to make the general public feel better, but victims of rape pay the price and it’s just cruel. I support children and families in their most vulnerable moments and I am voting YES on Amendment 4.”

Learn more about the abortion ban.

Paid for by Planned Parenthood of South, East and North Florida