SWAN exists to preserve access to abortion in central Florida and beyond by defending the Center of Orlando for Women, a clinic that provides services to people locally as well as in other states that have enforced restrictions. 

Florida’s Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA) has levied outrageous fines against our clinic for alleged violations of the State’s 24-hour waiting period law. AHCA alleges 193 abortions were performed in violation of this law. Despite a judge recommending a lower amount, AHCA Secretary Jason Weida, a DeSantis stooge, finalized a fine structure of $1,000 PER VIOLATION against the clinic. This amounts to a total fine of $193,000. This is a transparent attempt to bankrupt the clinic in order to further limit access to abortion in a state that desperately needs it. Folks can read more about the specific case here.

Since the Dobbs decision in 2022, Florida has been a haven for abortion seekers in ban states. As clinic escorts that provide full volunteer defender coverage, we have seen the increase in out-of-state license plates on our patients’ vehicles. Like many clinics, staff at our clinic work hard and diligently every day to provide care to clients. They deserve to have a job, our patients deserve care, and abortion rights opponents deserve a defeat. 

SWAN is aware of how difficult it will be to raise the money to cover these fines. However, we believe in our community. We believe in abortion rights advocates who continue to feel valid anger as headlines continue to pour in showing the horrific effects the loss of abortion care is causing in our communities. We intend to fundraise for the entire amount of the levied fines. Our goal is to reach $193,000 to ensure that our clinic can cover any additional fees related to fighting this political persecution from a captured State agency. Any amount raised will go to our clinic to help them pay these fines and stay open; any amount beyond what is needed will be used to benefit our patients, our clinic work, our community, and our mutual aid work. 

The Nonprofit Industrial Complex serves as SWAN of Central Florida's 501c3 fiscal sponsor and will be listed on your bank statement as such. NPIC takes no fees from SWAN to serve as a sponsor and contributions to this project are tax-deductible.