The Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration warned pharmacies not to dispense abortion pills in light of the FDA's approval for pharmacies to do so in states where it is allowed, the Union-Bulletin reported Jan. 15.
The agency distributed a letter to state healthcare providers warning them it is illegal for pharmacists to dispense abortion pills in Florida.
"The agency issues this alert to remind providers that they must continue to comply with Florida laws that govern the performance of abortions," the agency told the Union-Bulletin.
In Florida, abortion is legal up to 15 weeks after conception. However, state law says only a physician can terminate pregnancy, and it must be done after an in-person visit and a 24-hour waiting period.
Florida is among 18 states where pharmacists are barred from dispensing mifepristone, an abortion drug, either due to abortion illegalization or due to a requirement that patients get pills directly from a physician.