ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida’s six-week abortion ban went into effect this week, beginning the most restrictive ban on the procedure in the state in more than 50 years. 

What You Need To Know

  • On May 1, Florida’s six-week abortion ban went into effect

  • Abortion rights advocates are worried about the implications of the ban on women, while anti-abortion rights advocates aren’t taking a victory lap, at least yet.

  • Vicky Parker Cherry is worried that Florida voters could choose to vote to repeal the new six-week ban.

  • Danielle Tallafuss found out that her son had a severe medical condition and likely wouldn’t survive. She and her husband decided to end the pregnancy at 22 weeks.

Abortion rights advocates are worried about the implications of the ban on women, while anti-abortion rights advocates aren’t taking a victory lap, at least yet. This fall, Florida voters will have the choice whether to approve a repeal of the restrictive ban now in place when they vote on the Amendment 4 ballot initiative.

For Vicky Parker Cherry, her faith guides her beliefs on abortion.

“Jesus Christ is my Lord and savior,” said Parker Cherry. “The Bible says I knew you before you were formed in the womb, and that should be the safest place.”

Parker Cherry believes a six-week abortion ban going into effect in Florida is an answer to her prayers.

“A huge victory for Florida that we’re going to protect the lives of those innocents,” said Parker Cherry.

But others say they are worried about what the more restrictive ban could mean for women who seek access reproductive care.

Danielle Tallafuss still keeps a framed picture of her baby Nathaniel’s ultrasound right above where she and her husband sleep each night.

Tallafuss says after finding out during her pregnancy that Nathaniel had a severe medical condition and likely wouldn’t survive – even with extreme medical intervention right after birth – she and her husband decided to end the pregnancy at 22 weeks.

“When you come across parents who have children who are terminally ill, you frequently hear them say they’d do anything to take away their child’s pain,” said Tallafuss.  “I was given that option. My baby never felt a day of pain in his life.”

Tallafuss says she had no clue there was any problem with the baby until after 20 weeks into her pregnancy. She believes the choice should be up to the family and her doctors.

“This choice doesn’t belong in the hands of the politicians – I’ve never called a politician to ask him what I should do for my dental care, I’ve never called a politician to ask if I should get my blood work done this year or not,” said Tallafuss.    

Reliving her family’s difficult decision is difficult, but she says it’s worth it if it can help other women who she now worries won’t have the options she had.

“I’ll just keep sharing this story so that people understand other reasons why women might have an abortion, outside of they just didn’t want the pregnancy,” said Tallafuss. “Because I wanted Nathaniel, I really did.”

Parker Cherry believes life should be preserved, even in cases of incest, rape or when the mother’s health could be compromised.

“We don’t know what God’s plan is and I believe that God has a purpose for every life – every unborn life, every born life – he has a purpose, and if we think we have power over that, we’re taking it out of the hands of God,” said Parker Cherry.

The new law of the land in Florida gives her hope, at least for now. 

“I’m a little concerned because in November there’s that amendment going on the ballot and that amendment will do away with any protection we have,” said Parker Cherry.

Parker Cherry says she hopes voters don’t approve Amendment 4, which would nullify Florida’s six-week abortion ban. Tallafuss says she will financially support abortion rights, and help mothers who now have to travel out of state to get the care they need.