Florida Teen May Be Forced to Go Through Pregnancy After Deemed Not 'Mature' Enough for Abortion, Court Rules

A Florida teen was deemed not "mature" enough to get an abortion after she sought a court waiver to terminate her pregnancy.

The 16-year-old, who was only identified as Jane Doe 22-B, tried to get approval to have an abortion. However, the waiver filed in Escambia County court was without the written consent of a parent or guardian.

According to CBS News, Circuit Court Judge Jennifer J. Frydrychowicz denied the request of the Florida teen Monday.

The teen appealed the decision, but three judges of the First District Court of Appeal ruled against her favor, saying the teen did not show "clear and convincing evidence" that would determine she was sufficiently mature to decide whether to get an abortion.

The judges wrote in their ruling that she was almost 17 years old but had a legal guardian despite having no parents. The Florida teen is currently getting GED and is part of a program that helps "young women who have experienced trauma in their lives" through educational assistance and counseling.

The court document noted that the teen experienced renewed trauma as her friend died shortly before she tried to seek an abortion.

Florida Teen's Petition for Abortion

The Florida teen's petition noted that she was "mature" enough to make the decision. She also said she was not yet ready to have a baby and was still in school. The teen noted that she does not have a job and that the baby's father could not assist her.

According to The Guardian, a physician with written consent from a parent or legal guardian must be provided for a minor to avail the medical procedure in Florida.

The Florida teen noted in her request that her guardian "is fine with what she wants to do." In court documents, one of the judges, Scott Makar, said this matter was viewed by the trial judge as a "very close call."

Makar noted that the Florida teen was knowledgeable about the relevant considerations in terminating her pregnancy by doing Google searches and reviewing a pamphlet she got from a visit to a medical clinic to gain an understanding and its consequences.

The restrictions on access to abortion across the country resulted from the U.S. Supreme Court revoking the landmark ruling Roe v. Wade in June. Florida already had laws that limited abortions before this ruling.

However, Florida's abortion laws are less restrictive compared to other states such as South Carolina and Louisiana.

Roe V. Wade in Florida

Florida law prohibits abortions after 15 weeks except to save the mother's life, prevent serious injury, or if the fetus has a fatal abnormality. It took effect on July 1.

ABC Action News reported that the law does not allow for exemptions in cases where pregnancies were caused by rape, incest, or human trafficking.

Governor Ron DeSantis described the measure as the "most significant protection for life" that has been implemented in Florida in a generation. Abortion used to be legal in Florida until the 24th week of pregnancy.

However, lawmakers have added more restrictions in recent years through bills requiring a one-day waiting period and for parents of a pregnant minor to be notified before an abortion can be provided.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

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