North Carolina Law’s Pro-Life Provisions Praised

Nevertheless, the bishop of Raleigh says ‘there is more to be done’ to build a culture of life in the Tar Heel State.

The seal of the State of North Carolina
The seal of the State of North Carolina (photo: NC.gov)

RALEIGH, N.C. — Pro-life advocates have praised North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory for signing into law a multipart bill that increases abortion safety regulations in the state.

“While we pray for the day when there is no longer a need for any clinic that performs abortions, this bill is a positive step,” Bishop Michael Burbidge of Raleigh said.

Bishop Burbidge also described the bill as “pro-woman.”

“It is designed to ensure the health and well-being of all those involved, but most importantly the women,” he said, “to guarantee that required care that is needed is present at all times.”

The new bill McCrory signed into law bans sex-selection abortions, in which an unborn child is targeted for his or her sex; “telemedicine” abortions, in which an abortionist prescribes abortion drugs remotely; and insurance plans that cover abortion from participating in the state insurance exchanges now required by federal law. The health-care plans of county and city governments also may no longer cover most abortions.

The new law also requires that a doctor be present during any type of abortion. It instructs the state health department to regulate abortion businesses in a manner similar to ambulatory surgical centers.

Additionally, it extends conscience protections to all medical professionals with religious or moral objections to participating in an abortion. Previously, only objecting doctors and nurses were protected.

Mary Spaulding Balch, director of state legislation for National Right to Life, praised McCroryʼs decision to sign the bill.

“Today, North Carolina will be safer for unborn children than it was yesterday,” she said.

Balch called the law’s provisions “protective and commonsense measures” that echo “growing public discontent” with abortion law.

“Mothers and their unborn children deserve better than the violence of abortion, and the American people continue to support measures that encourage a culture of life,” she said.

Some opponents of the bill said it would close most of the state’s 16 abortion businesses, since only one facility meets the new law’s health standards. The construction of an ambulatory surgical center costs about $1 million more than present abortion sites, although the cost of converting existing businesses to meet the bill's specifications is not clear, The Associated Press reported.

Almost half of U.S. states now require abortion facilities to meet standards similar to ambulatory clinics. Twenty-three states have opted out of abortion coverage in federal insurance exchanges. Seven states bar sex-selective abortion, and 15 bar abortion drugs administered via telemedicine.

Bishop Burbidge, however, said “there is more to be done” in North Carolina.

“We will continue to witness, advocate, educate and, most importantly, pray for the protection of all human life,” the bishop said. “Our work is ongoing.”