Florida paves the way for a six-week abortion ban: Supreme Court upholds 15-week ban in bombshell ruling… but will let voters weigh in on access in the 2024 election

The Florida Supreme Court upheld a 15-week abortion ban in a long-awaited ruling, paving the way for a stricter six-week ban to take effect next month.

The court issued two rulings on Monday. The first upheld the abortion ban, while the second ruling approved a November ballot measure that would enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution if approved by voters.

The ballot measure that was approved by the conservative court marked a victory for abortion rights groups, which had already begun collecting signatures about a year ago, shortly after Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law a six-week ban. .

The outcome of the ballot initiative will have huge implications for reproductive health care across the South, where strict bans have forced clinics to close their doors permanently.