VP Harris returns to Jacksonville as Florida’s 6-week abortion ban goes into effect

Wednesday marked the start of some of the toughest abortion restrictions in the nation as Florida’s 6-week abortion ban goes into effect.

The controversial law continues to be a hot topic across the nation, and Vice President Kamala Harris is bringing her fight for reproductive rights to Jacksonville.

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The Biden Administration is focusing on abortion as a key issue on the ballot. Harris landed at Jacksonville International Airport Wednesday afternoon before she is set to make remarks.

Wednesday’s visit is Harris’ second visit to the Bold City in less than a year and comes as Jacksonville was once a refuge for women across the southeast to access abortion as late as 15 weeks until today.

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A local clinic said it saw an increase in patient load, up to 3 times the normal volume, yesterday. Now, the 6-week ban is here.

“It takes an emotional tool knowing that we’re at the point where we can’t provide safe accessible care for our patients right now,” explained Kelly Flynn, the CEO of A Woman’s Choice.

“One does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree that the government should not be telling her what to do with her body,” VP Harris said in Wisconsin last week.

Read: ‘An emotional toll:’ Jacksonville clinic front and center as 6-week abortion ban takes effect

In reaction to the Vice President’s visit, Jacksonville’s group “Students for Life of America” released a statement that says in part, “Florida voters made their voice heard for the voiceless. The Pro-Life generation will be loud, proud and publicly speaking up for the innocent.”

The group will also hold a rally on Wednesday that will start at 10:30 a.m. in front of the Planned Parenthood clinic on Powers Avenue.

Read: VP Harris to speak in Jacksonville against Florida’s new Black history standards

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