Florida
Florida Clinics and Funds Prepare for ‘Catastrophic’ Abortion Ban
Staff work at a Planned Parenthood clinic in West Palm Beach, Florida, on July 14, 2022.
Photo: CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images
The team at the independent abortion clinic A Woman’s Choice has been overwhelmed with patients at its North Carolina and Florida locations since the overturn of Roe v. Wade. People from all over the South travel hundreds of miles to get care at the clinics, with staff doing the best they can to meet the crushing need. Hoping to alleviate some of the strain, the team decided to open a fifth location in Danville, Virginia, which borders North Carolina, last month. “We opened the clinic in Virginia because of the 12-week ban in North Carolina but then also in anticipation of the six-week ban in Florida,” says Amber Gavin, the organization’s vice-president of advocacy and operations. “We knew that there was really nowhere in the Southeast that folks were going to be able to access care after 12 weeks.”
The move was prescient: As has happened so frequently in the nearly two years since Dobbs, the ax suddenly came down in the Sunshine State last week. The Florida Supreme Court ruled that the state’s constitution does not protect abortion rights, overturning decades of precedent and allowing the six-week ban to go into effect on May 1 (patients can get an abortion up to 15 weeks of pregnancy until that date).
The situation is “catastrophic and devastating for all of the South,” Gavin says. In 2023, there were around 84,000 abortions performed in the Sunshine State, making up about 1 in 12 abortions in the U.S. Florida has seen one of the most dramatic increases in abortion seekers from out of state since Dobbs, which Gavin says the A Woman’s Choice clinic in Jacksonville has experienced firsthand, with nearly half of its patients coming from other states.
Those people will now face even more challenges when accessing abortion care. The six-week ban — which outlaws abortion two weeks after a missed period — is in effect a total ban, Gavin says. Most people don’t know they are pregnant at that stage. Additionally, Florida has a mandatory 24-hour waiting period that requires abortion seekers to visit a clinic in-person twice, a requirement that already represented a significant burden for patients and now will make getting an abortion nearly impossible. Gavin says she’s specifically concerned about minors who require a judicial bypass to get care, as that process can take days. “Overall, I think some folks may self-manage while a lot of folks are gonna fall through the cracks, and they’re gonna be forced to remain pregnant against their will,” she says. “That’s really cruel and immoral.”
A Woman’s Choice is now adding more days to its appointment schedule and actively recruiting more staff for the Virginia location. The organization is also part of Floridians Protecting Freedom, the umbrella group behind Amendment 4, the ballot measure that would codify abortion rights in the state’s constitution. It’s using the bulk of its advocacy resources to campaign for the amendment and educate voters on how the measure offers a path to restore access in the state.
Planned Parenthood of South, East, and North Florida, Inc., has been training more staff at its eight clinics to perform ultrasounds so that they can see as many patients as possible and help date pregnancies more efficiently, according to Michelle Quesada, vice-president of communications and marketing at the organization. (A separate affiliate, Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida, has its own nine health centers.) Quesada says her affiliate’s clinics are also extending their appointment times in preparation for the six-week ban, coordinating with health centers in other states, and educating every patient coming through their doors about the new law — regardless of whether they’re there for an abortion.
“We still get patients who don’t even know there’s a 15-week ban right now,” Quesada says. “So we are having those conversations with patients — whether they are coming to us for STI testing and treatment, for cancer screenings, or for any type of service that we offer — that come May 1 abortion will be illegal beyond six weeks.”
Groups that offer financial and practical support to abortion seekers, such as the Tampa Bay Abortion Fund, have been preparing for this moment since before the 15-week ban even went into effect, says McKenna Kelley, one of the fund’s volunteer board members. The organization has been working to build partnerships with clinics and funds in other states since the 15-week ban was first introduced in early 2022. When determining who to partner with, the organization took into consideration whether there are direct flights out of Tampa; whether there are local funds that can help clients on the ground, either with funding or practical support; and whether there are clinics available in the area. “Primarily we’ve been sending people to Illinois, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and New York a little bit,” she says.
But the fund now has to tighten its belt at the precise moment Florida abortion seekers need its help most. Despite receiving an extraordinary amount of donations around the time Roe was overturned, Kelley says the group hasn’t seen this type of substantial giving since — not even in the past week following the court’s ruling. The organization stretched those 2022 donations and the grants they’ve received as much as it could; it even shut down its helpline to conserve cash for about a month last fall, around the time the justices heard oral arguments in the case. They’ve also limited the population of people they can help. “We decided that all our budget is $55,000 a month and we have to stick to that. We only fund people from the Tampa Bay area who are having their abortions here and people who are either leaving Tampa Bay for care or coming directly into Tampa Bay,” Kelley says. “We can’t fund anyone else from Florida. We can’t do solidarity pledging anymore.”
With the six-week ban now looming, the fund is sticking to those decisions to ensure its longevity. “We’re anticipating that once the ban goes into effect, almost all of our callers will be over six weeks and will be needing practical support such as plane tickets and hotel stays,” she says. In 2023, the fund helped 2,660 callers, including 303 patients traveling out of state. Those clients received an average of $1,100 in practical support. Kelley can’t imagine pledging that amount to the thousands of callers that’ll contact the fund starting next month. “That’s millions of dollars. We don’t have millions of dollars,” she says. “I don’t even know where we would get millions of dollars.”
Florida Access Network, another abortion fund, is bracing for similar financial challenges, says executive director Stephanie Loraine Piñeiro. The fund is increasing its budget this month to help accommodate as many patients as it can. But the longer-term effects of the ban are concerning to Piñeiro, who notes that around nine independent providers have shut down in the past five years in a state where about 70 percent of counties already did not have an abortion clinic. Once the new ban kicks in, it’s unclear whether providers will remain open and pivot to other services; if any close, it’s unlikely they’ll come back. (Texas gave an early preview of what happens when providers are forced to shut down: 22 of the state’s 41 clinics shuttered when HB2 went into effect in 2013. After the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the law in 2016, only four of those providers re-opened.)
“A lot of people already have to leave their community to get their care. In many communities, what you may actually find is an anti-abortion pregnancy center, not a clinic,” Piñeiro says. “Regardless of the election, the abortion-access landscape here in Florida has been damaged and changed forever.” Still, she’s hopeful that Amendment 4 will pass in November and restore abortion rights in the state; until then, the fund will continue to raise money and help people get the abortion care they need, regardless of where they need to go to get it. She adds, “We’re in this for the long haul.”
The Cut offers an online tool that allows you to search by Zip Code for professional providers, including clinics, hospitals, and independent OB/GYNs, as well as abortion funds, transportation options, and information for remote resources like receiving the abortion pill by mail. For legal guidance, contact Repro Legal Helpline at 844-868-2812 or The Abortion Defense Network.
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Myron Medcalf
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Myron Medcalf
ESPN Staff Writer
- Covers college basketball
- Joined ESPN.com in 2011
- Graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato
Multiple Authors
The opening weekend of the 2026 men’s NCAA tournament featured its fair share of heartbreaking losses.
Among them? Reigning national champion and No. 1 seed Florida dropped a close battle with scrappy 9-seed Iowa. Kansas was eliminated on a buzzer-beating layup by St. John’s. Kentucky suffered its worst NCAA tournament loss since 1972. And North Carolina surrendered a 19-point lead to fall to VCU in overtime.
With some of the most storied college basketball programs ending their seasons earlier than expected, ESPN’s Jeff Borzello and Myron Medcalf detail what’s next for each. Here’s your guide to their expected departures, returnees, top incoming recruits and where that leaves their personnel priorities for when the transfer portal opens April 7.
Record: 27-8 (16-2 in SEC)
How their season ended: Lost to Iowa in second round
Expected departures
Thomas Haugh (17.0 PPG)
Xaivian Lee (11.4 PPG)
Micah Handlogten (4.2 PPG)
Players with remaining eligibility
Alex Condon (14.9 PPG)
Boogie Fland (11.7 PPG)
Rueben Chinyelu (11.2 PPG)
Urban Klavzar (9.7 PPG)
Isaiah Brown (5.6 PPG)
CJ Ingram (2.2 PPG)
Viktor Mikic (1.3 PPG)
Alex Lloyd (1.2 PPG)
Alex Kovatchev (0.5 PPG)
AJ Brown (redshirt)
Top incoming recruit: Jones Lay (three-star)
Florida has essentially eschewed immediate impact freshmen under Todd Golden, landing only two top-100 recruits in the past four recruiting classes combined. The incoming class is no different, with only the unranked Lay in the fold. He will very likely be a depth player early in his career, then his future will depend on development. The Gators did take a couple of swings at recruiting top-50 prospects, but will instead go to the portal or overseas for the rest of their newcomers.
Portal priorities: Before Florida fully goes into the portal, the Gators will need to figure out which of their starters are returning to Gainesville. Haugh has played himself into a potential NBA draft lottery pick, so we can project him to leave for the NBA. But both Condon and Chinyelu were projected second-round picks in ESPN’s most recent mock draft, leaving their short-term futures more uncertain. Condon was a borderline first-round pick in 2025 and opted to return to school. It probably would cost at least $3 million to retain each, but they’ve been anchors for back-to-back No. 1 seeds, and Golden could see value in building around them again. Fland should return to school after also withdrawing from the NBA draft last spring.
If Condon, Chinyelu and Fland all return, Golden would need a Haugh replacement and additional shooting on the perimeter. Klavzar could move into the starting lineup with Lee gone, but he proved to be incredibly useful as a sixth man. Could any of the seldom-used roster players make a sizable jump and move into a consistent rotation role the way Isaiah Brown did from 2024-25 to 2025-26? It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Florida go into the portal or look at international players to bring in at least two or three more perimeter players. — Borzello
Record: 24-11 (12-6 in Big 12)
How their season ended: Lost to St. John’s in second round
Expected departures
Darryn Peterson (20.1 PPG)
Tre White (13.8 PPG)
Melvin Council Jr. (12.6 PPG)
Jayden Dawson (2.1 PPG)
Players with remaining eligibility
Flory Bidunga (13.3 PPG)
Bryson Tiller (8.1 PPG)
Elmarko Jackson (4.8 PPG)
Jamari McDowell (3.4 PPG)
Kohl Rosario (3.3 PPG)
Paul Mbiya (1.1 PPG)
Samis Calderon (0.4 PPG)
Top incoming recruit: Taylen Kinney (No. 19)
Kinney is one of the best point guards in the 2026 class, and will step in immediately as the playmaking focal point of the offense with Peterson’s departure. He’s better as a scorer at this point in his development, especially when taking his defender off the dribble and attacking the rim. Kinney has improved as a passer and creator over the past year, so the next step on offense is becoming more consistent from the perimeter. His length should help him early as a defender.
Portal priorities: The frontcourt should be in good shape if Bidunga and Tiller both return; it would make sense for both to be retention priorities. Bidunga developed into one of the best defensive players in the country this season while also proving to be a capable scorer in the post. And Tiller showed very impressive flashes despite struggling down the stretch.
With Kinney coming in to run the show at point guard, that leaves the wings as areas to improve for Kansas. It’s worth keeping in mind that the Jayhawks are considered the frontrunner to sign SC Next 100’s top overall recruit Tyran Stokes. If they do land him, that could change the calculus for their offseason roster construction. But with or without Stokes, they will need an immediate impact player on the perimeter — Rosario showed promise early in the season, and though he could take a step forward, Kansas would benefit from more proven production.
There’s also the elephant in the room: Bill Self’s status. Self said after the loss to St. John’s that he hasn’t decided on whether he will return next season. If he doesn’t come back, it’s entirely unclear how the Kansas roster will look. — Borzello
Record: 22-14 (10-8 in SEC)
How their season ended: Lost to Iowa State in second round
Expected departures
Denzel Aberdeen (13.5 PPG)
Otega Oweh (18.6 PPG)
Jayden Quaintance (5.0 PPG)
Players with remaining eligibility
Jaland Lowe (8.0 PPG)
Collin Chandler (9.7 PPG)
Mouhamed Dioubate (8.8 PPG)
Brandon Garrison (4.7 PPG)
Kam Williams (6.0 PPG)
Malachi Moreno (7.8 PPG)
Jasper Johnson (4.9 PPG)
Andrija Jelavic (5.5 PPG)
Trent Noah (3.0 PPG)
Top incoming recruit: None
You’re reading that right: Kentucky does not have a single commitment from the 2026 class as of Tuesday. The Wildcats pursued Tyran Stokes, but as Jeff detailed above, it seems the No. 1 recruit is leaning toward Kansas. It appears that coach Mark Pope will again construct a roster comprising returnees and transfers — but as he learned this season, that’s a risk. The Wildcats reportedly spent more than $20 million on their 2025-26 roster yet finished only two games above .500 in SEC play and advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament only because of a miracle buzzer-beater.
Portal priorities: This season’s roster never jelled the way Pope anticipated, which means he might end up building another from scratch, depending on who stays or goes.
The backcourt has to be his top priority. Aberdeen and Oweh are out of eligibility, which means that not only will Pope need elite guards who are capable playmakers and scorers, but he’ll also need depth — especially at point guard. The latter has been a problem throughout his tenure. Even if Lowe returns, Pope will need multiple players at both guard positions to anchor next season’s roster.
The next priority: a big man. Though Moreno could take the next step as a sophomore, and Dioubate has been solid for stretches, the Wildcats didn’t have a dominant big with Quaintance contending with knee injuries. The teams still competing for this year’s national championship — Michigan, UConn, St. John’s and Duke — have imposing big men. Kentucky can’t enter another season without a strong inside presence.
Finally, with Chandler the only reliable 3-point shooter on this season’s squad, Kentucky also needs more support on the perimeter. — Medcalf
Record: 24-9 (12-6 in ACC)
How their season ended: Lost to VCU in first round
Expected departures
Caleb Wilson (19.8 PPG)
Seth Trimble (14.0 PPG)
Players with remaining eligibility
Henri Veesaar (17.0 PPG)
Luka Bogavac (9.8 PPG)
Jarin Stevenson (8.1 PPG)
Derek Dixon (6.5 PPG)
Jonathan Powell (4.8 PPG)
Kyan Evans (4.0 PPG)
Zayden High (3.4 PPG)
Isaiah Denis (1.9 PPG)
Jaydon Young (1.8 PPG)
Top incoming recruit: Dylan Mingo (No. 9)
Mingo is one of the elite guards in the 2026 class, despite being hampered by injuries for most of the high school season. He has great positional size and length, and projects to make an impact at both ends of the court. With Evans potentially leaving for the portal after struggling this season, Dixon and Mingo could share playmaking duties in the backcourt — if Mingo opts to keep his commitment, should Hubert Davis depart. Mingo didn’t pick Carolina until mid-February.
Portal priorities: Though Wilson is probably off to the NBA and Trimble is out of eligibility, Davis or his potential replacement will have to make Veesaar the priority. He had an early second-round projection in ESPN’s most recent mock draft, but he could opt to return to Chapel Hill for a substantial amount of money. If Veesaar is back at UNC, he and Stevenson should form one of the better frontcourt duos in the ACC. If Veesaar leaves, the Tar Heels will need to target a high-level big man in the portal.
In addition to a potential Veesaar replacement, the Tar Heels also probably will need an upgrade when it comes to perimeter shotmaking and explosiveness. None of Bogavac, Powell or Young were overly consistent as scorers. And though Mingo is a terrific addition — as is four-star forward Maximo Adams — neither is a knockdown shooter. If the roster falls apart following Davis’ potential departure, Veesaar, Stevenson and Dixon should be the retention priorities for a new coach. — Borzello
Florida
Judge cites ‘stand your ground’ law in clearing 3 more Florida officers in shooting of a UPS driver
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — A South Florida judge on Monday cleared three more police officers of wrongdoing in the shooting death of a UPS driver who had been taken hostage during a 2019 robbery.
Broward Circuit Judge Ernest Kollra ruled that Miami-Dade police officers Richard Santiesteban, Leslie Lee and Rodolfo Mirabal — who had been charged with manslaughter in the death of UPS driver Frank Ordonez — could not be prosecuted because Florida’s “stand your ground” law justified the shooting. The same judge cleared officer Jose Mateo in September for the same reason.
The Broward State Attorney’s Office said it will appeal all four rulings.
“Immunity from prosecution is not the same as a defense presented to a jury from this community,” the state attorney’s statement said. “It is our belief that Stand Your Ground immunity does not apply in matters involving innocent bystanders, like Frank Ordonez and Richard Cutshaw, who presented no danger to officers. In this incident, two innocent men were killed, and the lives of numerous other innocent bystanders were endangered.”
Cutshaw was also killed in the barrage of gunfire that afternoon.
Ordonez, 27, had been delivering packages in Miami-Dade County on Dec. 5, 2019, when police said two would-be jewelry store robbers abducted him and forced him to drive from the scene. A rush-hour police chase ended at a busy intersection in neighboring Broward County.
Prosecutors said Mateo fired the shots that killed Ordonez. The two robbers and a passerby were also killed in a hail of gunfire at an intersection in Miramar, Florida.
Footage from a body camera that was played in court showed Mateo’s pursuit of the UPS truck that afternoon. His partner could be seen in the passenger seat with a long gun drawn. The video also showed Mateo approaching the UPS truck. He emptied his firearm’s magazine, reloaded and then pulled Ordonez from the vehicle.
The judge ruled the officers had reason to believe deadly force was necessary to end the confrontation.
The four officers are currently suspended from the their jobs.
After a beautiful weekend across South Florida, the warm weather continues for the workweek.
A cool start mostly in the lower to mid-60s will lead to a warm and sunny afternoon with highs in the lower to mid-80s.
Afternoon highs linger in the lower to mid-80s each day for the workweek with changes not arriving until the weekend.
Beachgoers can expect excellent conditions with a low rip current risk as water temperatures remain in the mid-70s.
The NEXT Weather Team will continue to monitor an enhanced fire weather risk due to dry air and the ongoing drought conditions.
While there are no major wildfires being reported in South Florida, light north and northwesterly winds overnight have been bringing smoke from ongoing fires along the Gulf Coast and the Southeast U.S. into South Florida, lowering our air quality for the morning hours.
Conditions improve by midday as the wind shifts.
No significant rain chances will be found throughout the workweek with just a slim 10% shower chance Wednesday through Friday.
However, rain chances will be on the rise over the weekend as our team monitors a possible disturbance bringing the potential for scattered showers on Sunday.
These showers could help lower afternoon highs to upper 70s by the end of the weekend.
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