A Florida physician faces a potential $10,000 fine and reprimand for not adhering to a 2022 law mandating a 24-hour waiting period before abortions. The case revolves around 193 abortions performed by Dr. Candace Sue Cooley at the Center of Orlando for Women clinic right after the law’s implementation.
Although the Department of Health initially sought to revoke Cooley’s license, Administrative Law Judge James H. Peterson III recommended a lesser penalty.
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Peterson’s recommendation stems from the clinic’s repeated attempts to clarify the law’s effective date with the state Agency for Health Care Administration, which failed to provide timely information.
The judge acknowledged that Cooley performed the abortions unintentionally amidst confusion about the law’s start date. He also noted that no patients suffered harm due to the violation.
However, the Department of Health argued that Cooley was ultimately responsible for staying informed about the law.
The final decision rests with the Department of Health and the State Board of Medicine.
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