This bill amends Florida Statutes regarding the termination of pregnancies by revising the definition of "fatal fetal abnormality" and altering the medical requirements for exceptions to the gestational age limit. The definition now specifies that a fatal fetal abnormality is a terminal condition that, in reasonable medical judgment, is incompatible with prolonged life outside the womb and will result in death upon birth or shortly thereafter. Additionally, the bill changes the requirement from two physicians to one physician making the necessary medical determinations for certain exceptions, including when the termination is necessary to save or prolong the pregnant woman's life or avert serious risk to her health.

Furthermore, the bill updates the criteria for medical exceptions to include substantial physical impairment to the woman's fertility and removes the requirement for written certification by two physicians in cases of fatal fetal abnormalities. It maintains the provision for terminations resulting from rape, incest, or human trafficking, requiring documentation to support the claim. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 288 Filed: 390.011, 390.0111