Florida health officials told physicians Thursday that abortion is permitted “at any stage in pregnancy” to save the life and health of the mother, and regulatory action will be taken against any providers who don’t offer that care. In a notice to providers, the Florida Department of Health and the Agency for Health Care Administration says Florida "requires life-saving medical care to a mother without delay when necessary." The agencies said a physician providing life-saving treatment for pregnant women “does not violate Florida law and that failure to do so may constitute malpractice." They said the alert was issued "to address misinformation currently being spread concerning Florida's abortion laws." Florida bans abortions after fetal cardiac activity is detected, which is around six weeks. Anyone who performs an illegal abortion could be charged with a third-degree felony punishable with up to five years in prison, a $5,000 fine and loss of their medical license.
