Six-week abortion ban in Florida Could Worsen the State’s Healthcare, 33% Say

On April 14, Republican governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill approving a Ban on abortion after six weeks of pregnancy.

“This ban would prevent four million Florida women of reproductive age from accessing abortion care after six weeks — before many women even know they’re pregnant,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

This ban would also reportedly impact nearly 15 million women of reproductive age living in states where abortions are banned.

The six-week abortion Ban in Florida has unmistakably received mixed opinions from society. While there have been those supporting the decision to ban, the majority are outraged at the news.

As such, Real Research, an online survey application, conducted a survey on Ron DeSantis signing a six-week abortion Ban in Florida to gain insights about what the public has to say about the six-week abortion Ban in Florida. Here’s what the responses say:

Key Highlights

• 23% feel the six-week abortion Ban in Florida is a violation of women’s rights and autonomy over their bodies
• 35% reckon that the ban will not have any impact on women’s healthcare in Florida
• Ron DeSantis’ approval of the abortion ban could negatively affect his standing in the 2024 elections

The survey results revealed that nearly half of the respondents (49%) are aware of the six-week abortion Ban in Florida, with 34% vaguely aware, and 17% unaware.

Ron DeSantis Approving the Ban on Abortions–Opinions

Governor Ron DeSantis recently signed a bill approving a ban on abortions in pregnancies over six weeks. This resulted in many mixed views. Real Research asked respondents in a survey about the same, and the responses indicated mixed opinions. On the one hand, a majority (26%) said the abortion bill was important to protect the lives of unborn children. However, respondents also expressed concern over the ban, claiming it violates women’s rights and autonomy over their bodies (23%).

Other responses revealed that the ban restricts access to vital healthcare services, potentially risking lives (17%). Finally, 15% say the approval to ban abortions restricts the reproductive rights of women.

Read Also: Women are Now Travelling to Other U.S States to Conduct Abortions

Opinions About Access to Abortions

Next, the survey talks about women’s rights to access abortion services in general. According to Fig 1 below, 37.6% feel that abortion access depends on each case, as there are circumstances where abortions may be necessary–for instance, medical emergencies or risks to the life of the mother.

Contrastingly, 37% feel women should have access to abortion services, however, 25% feel women should not.

Furthermore, the survey also asked respondents’ opinions on the impact of this ban on women’s healthcare in Florida. While a majority of 35% feel it will not have any impact, 33% feel women’s healthcare in Florida will deteriorate. Another 33% also say that women’s healthcare will improve.

Ron DeSantis’ Approval of the Bill, Likely to Affect His Run For Presidency in 2024?

Though not confirmed by him or his representatives, insider reports suggested DeSantis plans to run for the presidency in the 2024 elections. With DeSantis approving the six-week abortion ban in Florida, certain speculations have led many to believe it could affect his standing in the elections.

The survey asked respondents’ opinions about the same.

According to Fig 2, nearly 30% felt DeSantis’ approval of Florida’s 6-week abortion ban could negatively affect his standing in the 2024 elections. This is likely because many oppose the ban, citing many concerns about violations of women’s rights.

Strikingly, 23% felt it could boost his standing in the elections. This is probably because DeSantis’ Republican supporters are likely to support the ban as they generally take a pro-life stance on abortion.

Another 23% also feel that the abortion ban will not impact DeSantis’ standing in the 2024 elections.

Exceptions to the Six-week Abortion Ban in Florida

The bill also came with certain exceptions. These exceptions include instances when a woman’s life is in danger or instances when pregnancies result from rape or incest. Reportedly, in such cases, abortions will be allowed up to 15 weeks of gestation.

Real Research respondents were asked for opinions on these exceptions. 64% feel the exceptions are necessary to protect the health and well-being of women. Whereas, 23% felt that the exceptions are insufficient, as they still place limits on women’s rights to make decisions about their bodies.

A further 4% felt these exceptions highlight the need for a more nuanced approach to abortions, and finally, a little over 3% felt these exceptions undermine the goal of protecting the rights of the unborn child.

Public Stance on the Six-Week Abortion Ban in Florida

As shown in Fig 3 below, a majority of 37% support DeSantis’ approval of the six-week abortion ban, while 31% oppose it. 32% are unsure.

Final Word

To sum up the survey, it is evident that most respondents feel that the bill banning pregnancies up to six weeks violates women’s rights over their own bodies and autonomy. It also restricts access to vital healthcare services, potentially risking countless lives.

Moreover, most of the respondents said that women should have access to abortion services. Finally, DeSantis’ approval of this bill will likely negatively affect his standing in the 2024 presidential elections. This possibly indicates opposition to the six-week abortion ban in Florida.