Abortion Services
Recent Legal Changes
Abortion Bans: The Florida Supreme Court upheld the state's 15-week abortion ban, triggering the 6-week ban. Starting May 1st, Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida will no longer provide abortion care for patients who are more than 6 weeks pregnant, unless they meet a statutory exception. The law provides exceptions for fatal fetal diagnosis, to save the life of the mother, or for victims of rape, incest or human trafficking (with proper documentation). Our Patient Navigators will continue to assist patients seeking care.
24-Hour Mandatory Delay: State requires a 24-hour mandatory waiting period for people seeking abortion care. That means abortion patients must appear in-person for two appointments at least 24 hours apart in order to comply with Florida law. There are limited exceptions, including exceptions for victims of rape, incest, domestic violence or human trafficking (with proper documentation). If a patient has had a miscarriage and there is no fetal cardiac activity, the patient does not have to wait 24 hours or appear for two appointments.
Regardless of gestational duration or medical complexity our Patient Navigators are here to help connect you with the care you need.
Teens Seeking Abortion Care
You have the right to decide to have an abortion if you are under 18. But Florida state law requires most young people under 18 to involve a parent or legal guardian in their decision. Click the button below for more information about parental consent and how to get a judicial bypass if you cannot safely get permission from your parents to have an abortion.
Because of these restrictions we are unable to schedule abortion appointments for minors online, please call us at 941-567-3800 to schedule your appointment.
Miscarriage, Fetal Anomaly and Demise Support
Fetal anomaly or demise is a life-changing experience, and different for everyone. Click the button below to see information about the services we provide and materials that other families have found helpful in their healing process.
We're Here
We're here to give you the medically accurate information you need to decide what is best for you. Abortion is LGBTQ+ health care. Many people who identify as lesbian, bisexual, queer, transgender men, intersex people can conceive and seek abortion services.
If you are considering abortion, please note that Florida law requires for those seeking abortion to have one appointment 24 hour prior to the abortion. During first visit a health care professional at Planned Parenthood will:
-
Discuss all options concerning pregnancy
-
Answer any questions you may have
-
Explain abortion procedures and discuss possible risks
-
Discuss birth control methods
People who choose or are considering abortion may feel a range of emotions. We encourage you to talk to a trusted family member, partner, friend or mentor about your decision.
Abortion is a safe and legal way to end pregnancy. Abortions are very common. In fact, 3 out of 10 women in the U.S. have an abortion by the time they are 45 years old.
In addition to providing abortion services (both by pill and in-clinic ), we also offer pre- and post- abortion patient education, post-abortion follow-up exams, and sedation options. All services require an appointment, to which you must bring a valid photo ID.
We are committed to providing the information you need to make the decision that's right for you. Click here for more information about abortion.
How long can I expect to be in the Health Center?
We respect and value your time and want to be sure you have clear expectations on how long your appointments may take. You may spend up to 3 to 4 hours in the Health Center for each of your appointments, but in many cases, patients are seen in a shorter time frame. We encourage you to bring items that may help your wait time to be more comfortable for you.
What should I do before sedation?
If you are planning to receive sedation for your abortion it is not necessary for you to withhold food or drink prior to your appointment. Only patients over 18 weeks gestation and only on Day 3 of their procedure are required to fast.
- Fasting means no milk, heavy meals, or solids (includes juices with pulp, milk products) up to 6 hours.
- You may have clear liquids such as tea, soda, non-pulp juices, Jell-O, or popsicles up to 2 hours before you receive sedation.
If you have any questions or need more clarification please contact our call center at 941.567.3800.
Payment Options
Payment is expected at time of service unless other arrangements have previously been made. We accept:
- Cash
- Major Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover)
- We now accept Apple Pay and Google Pay. Ask how you can use these payment methods when you’re checking out.
Please note: Personal checks are not accepted
Effective January 1, 2022
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost . Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
- You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
- If you schedule your service at least three days in advance, make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your healthcare provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
- If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
- Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 941-365-3913 ext 1443
Insurance and Confidentiality
Understand that PPSWCF cannot guarantee confidentiality when using insurance. The actual policy holder will receive all explanations of benefits. Be mindful that if you are a dependent or a spouse under someone else's policy, your confidentiality is not guaranteed.