GOP-backed abortion bill clears first hurdle in Florida; experts say it will affect access across the South

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The ban on abortion after 15 weeks proposed by Florida Republicans won’t just affect Florida if it becomes law.

For years, as nearby states have passed laws to limit abortion access, Southerners have made their way to the Sunshine State to take advantage of Florida’s relatively strong abortion protections. If a 15-week ban passes, access to abortion for people from out of state could be curtailed, advocates on both sides of the issue say.

“If you look at Texas, they haven’t had access to abortion care beyond six weeks for four months,” said Laura Goodhue, executive director of the Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates. “You can imagine if access were eliminated in Florida, what it would look like in the South.”