• Abortion is still legal in Florida
• Florida law prohibits abortion at 15 weeks LMP (Last Menstrual Period)

• Pregnant people who seek abortion care must undergo  a 24 hour waiting period: go twice to a provider, once for ultrasound, bias counseling and 24 hours later for the procedure
  
• Medical Abortion (Mifepristone and Misoprostol) in Florida: Doctor writes RX, and hands pills to patient.  Two visits, 24 hours apart is required.
• Parental Notification and Parental Consent is required for minors

Lately, mothers have been contacting FLNOW and individual chapters, terrified by their experience in Family Court.

This true especially for the battered parents trying to protect their children from the other, abusive parent who aggressively litigates against them, using family courts to stalk, harass, punish, and impoverish their former partners and children.  Some parents are aided by biased judges and court -appointed personnel, along with biased groups.

The Palm Beach County Chapter of the National Organization for Women developed FACTS, INC in 2002.  It is a court watch system of volunteers who observe courtroom proceedings, review the behavior of the judges and attorneys and plan actions to address any problems.

Recently, FACTS has expanded throughout Florida and has connections with litigants and activists nationwide

Contact: Natalie Andre or Sheila Jaffe

Suzanne was born in Newark, NJ and spent the next seven years fighting alongside her sisters'  and mother to let girls wear pants to school.  She spent the six years in Coconut Grove, Florida, teaching the other kids in school that the ERA is a great idea, that homosexuality is not a big deal and that girls can do anything they want to do in life.

Back to New Jersey for teenage and adulthood and then back to Florida in 1993 to raise her handsome and intelligent son.  With her partner of 35 years, surrounded by strong and fearless women in her family, she continues to educate those she works with about issues that face women, POC and LGBTQA+ communities.

Hobbies include reading, knitting, sewing, and creating artsy quilts. She gives thanks to her two creative parents for teaching her to love math and art.

Barbara DeVane, a warrior for justice, continually empowers and advocates for women, workers, minorities and retirees. Barbara was awarded The Lifetime Achievement Award at the FLNOW 2022 State Conference. Here are a few of her accomplishments:

• Lobbyist for FLNOW
• Member of Executive Committee of Tallahassee Branch Chapter NAACP
• Vice President of NW FL Federation o Labor, AFL-CIO

2023 is here!  FLNOW needs your active support in the continuing fights against the unacceptable and outrageous assaults on our democratic values and rights.

Below are our FLNOW Task Forces. Please join us in making NOW gain ground in the social / political arenas and let's educate the public.

Reproductive Rights:  Amy Weintraub Monthly zooms are held and we need NOW members to attend, especially since the overturn of Roe v. Wade. When organizations work in coalitions rather than in local advocacy, more effective actions can reverse this situation. 

Constitutional Equality (ERA): Nancy Terreri - This Task Force is part of the National ERA Coalition and Fund for Women's Equality.  The ERA wraps around every issue which impacts women with 280 members who will present resolutions in both chambers of the 118th US Congress. Help Nancy get the ERA into the US Constitution.

LGBTQIA+ Rights: Beck Andre - Does excellent work in coalition with other organizations, especially Compass Center, which is in Palm Beach County and has far reaching connections. Please join us in "Saying Gay"!

Freedom from Violence: Kat Duesterhaus & Beck Andre - Members of this Task Force engage local Sexual Response Teams to promote the responses that Start By Believing. Join us in making Florida safer for all people by advocating for survivors.

Families Against Court Travesties (FACTS): Natalie Andre & Sheila Jaffe - Serving women and some men for over 20 years who face horrible treatment in court. FACTS created Court Watch, which adds a public dimension to proceedings so that at least can be heightened. FACTS supports legislators who champion bills to protect and seek fairness, Join us in watching more courts and lessening bad behavior.