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 for medical determinations from two physicians to one physician for certain exceptions, including when a physician determines that the termination is necessary to save or prolong the pregnant woman's life or avert serious risk to her health.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the criteria for medical exceptions, allowing a physician to determine the presence of a fatal fetal abnormality without the need for a second physician's certification. It also clarifies that the pregnancy must not have progressed to the third trimester for this exception to apply. The bill maintains provisions for cases of 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