VENICE, Sept. 5, 2025
Floridians remain divided on abortion access despite past ballot defeat.
Local pregnancy help centers convened to discuss legislative battles and support for expectant mothers.
- Floridians show a split opinion on abortion legality, with 63% believing it should be legal.
- The state’s six-week abortion ban is perceived by many as a reasonable middle ground.
- Pro-abortion access groups invested $120 million in a past campaign and plan future initiatives.
- Pregnancy resource centers face critical windows to connect with women seeking alternatives.
The political landscape surrounding abortion in Florida remains a battleground. This was a central theme at the Heartbeat 2.0 Retreat on Sept. 5, 2025, held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice. The gathering brought together directors and staff from local pregnancy help centers, maternity homes, and after-birth homes.
Sara Johnson of Florida Voters Against Extremism presented an update on the state’s political climate. She noted that while a significant ballot initiative in 2024 failed to expand abortion access, Florida’s sentiments make it vulnerable to future attempts to change abortion laws.
“The numbers are clear, 63% of Floridians think abortion should be legal,” Johnson stated. “That is a huge number and makes Florida vulnerable. However, most Floridians think the Heartbeat Protection Act, the current law which prevents abortion after six weeks of gestation, with six exceptions, is reasonable and restrictive enough.”
Johnson emphasized that while the current Florida law doesn’t eliminate abortion access entirely, it represents a significant step. She highlighted that efforts to expand abortion access poured $120 million into the past campaign and continue to raise funds for future ballot measures, possibly in 2026, 2027, or more likely 2028.
“It is a coordinated attack to enshrine this agenda of death,” Johnson said. “None of us believe abortion should be legislated or exist at all. Now is the opportunity to educate what it is we are trying to accomplish, that is saving the unborn.”
Pam Stenzel, representing BrightCourse and Community Pregnancy Clinics, discussed how the Florida law and its perception have influenced women’s decisions. She pointed to the 24-hour waiting period as a critical, though brief, window for intervention.
“There is a 24-hour waiting period for getting an abortion, and that is the only time we have to connect with these girls,” Stenzel explained. “If she calls one of the pregnancy resources centers, someone has to be available to answer that inquiry within 15 minutes to answer the immediate need, or else she is gone.”
Stenzel noted the ease of accessing chemical abortions via prescription pills, which she contrasted with more regulated surgical procedures. She also mentioned a service through Infinite Worth that connects pregnancy resource centers with a 24/7 nationwide response network.
Karin Barbito from Support After Abortion spoke about the need for healing for individuals impacted by abortion. Her organization offers support to those affected. Barbito also highlighted Project Rachel, which provides retreats for women who have experienced abortion, and Walking with Moms in Need. This latter program, a U.S. Bishops’ initiative at the parish level, aims to connect pregnant and parenting mothers in need with local Catholic Church resources.
For a list of Pregnancy Resource Centers supporting Walking with Moms in Need, visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/pregnancyhelp/. To learn more about Respect Life activities in the Diocese of Venice, contact Tavia Ames at 941-484-9543 or [email protected].
