Judge Blocks Single Provision of North Carolina Abortion Ban, Allowing Rest of Law to Take Effect

North Carolina’s 12-week abortion ban will partially take effect on Saturday, following a federal judge’s temporary block of one provision of the law. U.S. District Judge Catherine Eagles blocked a provision that required doctors to document the existence of a pregnancy in the uterus when prescribing or administering abortion drugs until July 14.

However, the judge noted that the law’s other provisions, which were challenged by Planned Parenthood, were addressed by last-minute updates passed by the state legislature and signed into law by Gov. Roy Cooper (D). Therefore, the majority of the law will be implemented on July 1. The judge expects an agreement between the parties to extend the restraining order on the medical records provision beyond July 14 to allow for further discussion.

North Carolina Governor Cooper expressed concerns about the rushed and poorly written abortion ban, stating that it poses dangers to women and creates uncertainty for healthcare providers. While the bill aims to clarify the rules and provide certainty, the governor is determined to fight against what he sees as an assault on women’s reproductive freedom.

Planned Parenthood providers in the state initially challenged the abortion ban due to inconsistencies and potential constitutional violations. Peter Im, one of the attorneys representing Planned Parenthood, acknowledged the temporary relief brought about by the judge’s order but emphasized the devastating consequences the law will have on North Carolinians once it takes effect.

In Friday’s order, the judge clarified that medication abortions could still be provided to patients in the early stages of pregnancy. The original bill required physicians to verify the fetus’s age as 10 weeks, despite allowing abortions up to 12 weeks. The order also made it clear that the law does not prohibit anyone from assisting a pregnant person in obtaining a legal abortion out of state after 12 weeks.

The abortion ban prohibits licensed physicians from performing abortions after the 12th week of pregnancy, with exceptions for cases of rape, incest (up to 20 weeks), or life-limiting anomalies (up to 24 weeks). The law also mandates two in-person doctor visits 72 hours apart for all patients, along with an additional visit for those opting for medication abortion, while also requiring an ultrasound at least 72 hours before administering the drugs.

Amidst these developments, Katherine Farris, Chief Medical Officer of Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, stated that none of North Carolina’s 14 abortion clinics will be closing. Planned Parenthood has been working diligently to comply with the law and ensure their health centers remain open. Additionally, they are committed to assisting patients who cannot access abortion care in North Carolina in finding safe alternatives elsewhere.

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