12,000 lives saved after state’s heartbeat protection law takes effect

Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., speaks at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on Tuesday, July 16, 2024

Abortions in Florida declined significantly in 2024 after the state passed a 6-week ban on the procedure in 2023.

Roughly 73,710 abortions were administered in the state in 2024 compared to 85,770 in 2023, a drop of about 12,100, according to a report from The Guttmacher Institute. Florida’s ban prohibits abortions after the sixth week of pregnancy, making exceptions for victims of rape...