Florida’s two state health agencies clarified for doctors on Thursday morning that an abortion is allowed at “any stage in pregnancy” to save the life and health of the mother, according to a press release.
“Providers are reminded that Florida requires life-saving medical care to a mother without delay when necessary, and the Florida Department of Health and the Agency for Health Care Administration will take regulatory action when a provider fails to follow this standard of care,” the press release says in bold text.
The release, aimed to dispel what the state called “misinformation” about abortion in Florida, also says “miscarriage is not an abortion” in bold text and warns health care facilities and providers that a failure to provide life-saving treatment for pregnant women may constitute malpractice.
Who decides that the woman’s life is at-risk enough to qualify as necessary? A panel of priests? The election police? A healthcare provider? The person whose life is on the line?
This seems to be the state health agencies clarifying the current rules. Not ideal, but hopefully only temporary until this law becomes unconstitutional.