First Up: Abortion reporting rulemaking going forward

Despite an ongoing court challenge to the state’s abortion law, the Florida Boards of Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine are moving forward with new recordkeeping rules under the statute. Identical language, published by both boards in the Florida Administrative Register, applies to required monthly reports. 

It says “a physician who performs an abortion, including surgical procedures and medical abortions, in a place other than a medical facility shall submit a report each month to the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). Monthly reports must be received by AHCA within 30 days following the preceding month. The monthly reports must be submitted on the Monthly Report of Induced Terminations of Pregnancy,” followed by a form number.

The Republican-controlled Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis last year approved a new ban on abortions in the state after 15 weeks (HB 5). That was before the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Abortion clinics and a physician filed suit, arguing that the law violated the state constitution’s privacy provision. 

A judge issued a temporary injunction but the 1st District Court of Appeal overturned that order, allowing the 15-week limit to take effect during the appeal. And lawmakers now are considering a ban that would prevent abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. It’s set to be heard in the full Senate this Thursday.

– Jim Rosica, with background from The News Service of Florida