Florida’s abortion ban has gone into effect from the 6th week of pregnancy, closing the door – for now – on the last spot allowed in the American South.

Supporters of the law celebrated the new legislation which replaces the existing provision that allowed abortion up to 15 weeks of pregnancy.

But pro-choice activists worry that the new law in Florida, which was the last state in the region without a near-total ban, will effectively bar access to abortion for more by 21 million women of reproductive age in nearly a dozen states.

However, the change could be reversed in November, when Florida residents will have the opportunity to vote on whether or not they agree with “Amendment 4,” which could protect access to abortion up to about the 24th week of pregnancy.

After the landmark decision in June 2022, most Republican-controlled states moved to restrict abortions altogether or at six weeks gestation, a time when many women do not yet know they are pregnant.

Abortion there was legal up to 15 weekss, making it a relevant haven for women seeking the procedure in the Florida area.

More than 84,000 abortions were performed in Florida last year – a 12% increase from 2020.

More than half of that increase is attributable to out-of-state patients.

The law includes limited exceptions for rape victimsincest or human trafficking up to the 15th week of pregnancy, with patients required to show documentation such as medical records or a police report.

It also includes exclusions for fatal fetal abnormalities and for the life of the pregnant woman.

Proponents of Amendment 4 cited internal polls suggesting it has the support of more than 60% of Florida voters — the threshold needed to pass.

All seven abortion ballot initiatives taken in other states in the months after Roe was overturned were successful, though most required a lower threshold and passed by a simple majority.