If you are reading this information
about late abortion for fetal anomaly, you more than likely
have received devastating news regarding your pregnancy. You
may have been given information that your fetus has a severe
fetal or congenital abnormality, or a lethal health problem.
Prenatal testing should mean that all patients are given choices.
You may have had to spend a great deal of time, money, and
energy to find out you have a fetus that has a severe, or
even lethal problem. We recognize that this is a tragic and
sad event for you and your family. The diagnosis has come
as unexpected news to you. To diagnose the fetal problems
and not be able to terminate the pregnancy is wrong if the
woman chooses to do so. Prenatal testing without prenatal
choices is unfair to patients. At Orlando Women's Center,
our view is that the woman is the patient and the Florida
State Law, and the Federal Law states that if the pregnancy
presents an increased threat to the woman's life or health,
she has the right and the choice to terminate her pregnancy
after 25 weeks gestation. You may elect to end your pregnancy
prematurely based on the information your personal physician,
genetic counselor, pediatric surgeons, Perinatologist, or
other medical personnel that have become involved in diagnosing
the abnormalities of your baby has given you. You may be considering to end your pregnancy early for
several reasons:
- Avoid pain and suffering of your unwell, unborn child.
- Avoid continued pain and suffering for you, the father
of the baby, and your families.
- To bring closure and begin the slow healing process that
needs to take place in order to bring normalcy back in your
lives.
We acknowledge the anguish, pain, and sorrow this health care
catastrophe has brought to you and your family. This may be
the most difficult dilemma that you and your family have ever
encountered. One of the most tragic things that can happen
to a woman and her loved ones, is to discover late in a desired
pregnancy that something has gone terribly wrong.
At Orlando Women's Center, we see
many women and couples who must face this difficulty. They
wanted to have a baby, made plans for it, and were happy at
the prospect of this glorious fulfillment, only to find out
that they face tragedy instead of happiness.
There are some people who feel that
these malformations and disorders are blessings to be embraced;
that dealing with them builds character, and that you should
not be permitted to have an abortion under these circumstances.
It is Dr. Pendergraft's view that decisions to carry a pregnancy
to term with such problems is a private, personal matter which
cannot be regulated by any government, and that couples who
decide to terminate such pregnancies should be able to do
so without interference from other parties
For the women and families who come
to us with these problems, we are ready to help get through
this crisis as safely, and with as much support, as is possible.
We are prepared to arrange for whatever procedures will help
you - holding your baby, having a footprint, having a private
cremation or burial, having private religious services, or
any other special requests that are possible. We also can
arrange for specialized medical examination and genetic testing
under most circumstances.
During the past 10 years, we
have helped thousands of families cope with this same situation.
What we have to offer most is the safest possible way for
the pregnancy to end so that you can go on with your life.
We also offer our deepest compassion for you and your family.
Florida Statutes Section 797.03
Prohibited Acts; Penalties
(1) It is unlawful for any person to perform or assist in performing an abortion on a person, except in an emergency care situation, other than in a validly licensed hospital or abortion clinic or in a physician's office. (2) It is unlawful for any person or public body to establish, conduct, manage, or operate an abortion clinic without a valid current license.
(3) It is unlawful for any person to perform or assist in performing an abortion on a person in the third trimester other than in a hospital.
(4) Any person who willfully violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
Third Trimester:
Defined in Chapter 59A-9.019 of the Florida Administrative Code;
"That portion of pregnancy beginning with the 25th week of gestation"
In accordance with state guidelines, we do not perform or offer third trimester abortions.
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