John: The Florida legislature's extreme restrictions on abortion have very real consequences for real women and their families, like Anya Cook and her husband Derek.

After years of trying to start a family, the couple was thrilled when they were finally pregnant. But early into her second trimester, just over 15 weeks since conception, Anya experienced medical complications. 

“[The doctor] told me in that very moment that you can get an infection, possibly sepsis and die,” Cook said. “All I’m thinking is, ‘Well I’m at the hospital, right? I’m okay. I won’t die because I’m at the hospital.’”

But what the doctor really meant was that because her life wasn't in
"immediate enough" danger, she didn't qualify for an emergency exception to the abortion rule. In fact, she was simply discharged. 

This is unfortunately the sad reality many women face in states with restrictive abortion laws like those right here in Florida.

If it were up to the health care professionals and the family, the course of action to save Anya and other women like her would be crystal clear.

But the Florida government's interference has muddled and clouded what otherwise would be a simple, lifesaving decision.

But there is hope. We're working to trigger a constitutional referendum that will keep government infringement out of health care in Florida. We're just going to need your help to get there. 

Please, will you rush $52 before midnight tonight so we can protect women like Anya and the four million others in our state who deserve to make decisions about their bodies without politicians' input?

– Florida Women's Freedom Coalition

P.S. If you've been following our petition drive, we now believe we have the necessary signatures to qualify for the ballot and are turning our attention to ensure that every petition is counted.