In response to Florida's recently implemented six-week abortion ban, Dr. Robyn Schickler, Chief Medical Officer of Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida, faced the difficult task of counseling patients who were seeking abortions beyond the six-week mark of their pregnancies. With the enforcement of the ban, Schickler had to inform her patients that abortion services were not available in the state of Florida and provide them with referrals to nearby states where they could seek the procedure.

Dr. Schickler revealed in an interview with ABC News Live that these conversations were challenging, noting that Florida already had a 24-hour waiting period requirement in place prior to the ban coming into effect. This meant that there were patients whom Planned Parenthood saw before the ban took effect but were unable to accommodate within the limited timeframe. During these discussions, patients were informed that Planned Parenthood could not provide abortions in the state, and they were provided with options and resources to help them access care outside of Florida.

When asked whether recommendations were given for clinics outside of the state, Dr. Schickler confirmed that suggestions were indeed provided, along with additional assistance and navigation services if required. It became clear that the ban's narrow timeframe posed significant challenges for patients, as many women may not even realize they are pregnant until after the six-week mark. Dr. Schickler explained that pregnancy dating is typically counted from the first day of the last menstrual period, and by the time a person misses their period, they are already four weeks along. This leaves little time to both recognize the pregnancy and obtain necessary care.

The frustration felt by patients affected by the ban was evident. Dr. Schickler stated that some patients were already aware of the situation, while others had only recently learned of the ban when they sought care at Planned Parenthood. The prospect of having to travel hundreds or even thousands of miles out of state to access essential healthcare services has left many feeling angry and inconvenienced.

Dr. Schickler also expressed concerns about the potential impact on pregnant individuals' physical and emotional health. With the inability to intervene before high-risk situations arise, she feared an increase in maternal morbidity and the associated physical, mental, and emotional harm that could result from continuing pregnancies against the individual's wishes.

Looking ahead, Dr. Schickler discussed an upcoming amendment on the November ballot aiming to limit the government's power and allow individuals to seek necessary medical care without interference. The amendment seeks to restore the right to access healthcare services, including abortions, without government intervention.

The implementation of the six-week abortion ban in Florida has left many patients of Planned Parenthood with limited options, forcing them to seek care outside the state. The ban's restrictive timeframe and lack of local abortion services have prompted frustration and concern among affected individuals, highlighting the need for continued efforts to safeguard reproductive rights and ensure accessible healthcare for all.