North Carolina Lawmakers Pass Sweeping Abortion Restrictions, Banning Procedure After 12 Weeks

Republican lawmakers in North Carolina passed a bill restricting abortion access by banning the procedure after 12 weeks.
The bill is expected to receive a final vote in the Senate on Thursday morning.
The legislation includes new exceptions and requirements for pregnant people and doctors.
The bill proposes spending at least $160 million for programs to improve childcare access and maternal health care, encourage families to take in foster children, and provide contraceptives to low-income or uninsured patients.
At least 88% of abortions in North Carolina in 2020 occurred at or before 12 weeks of gestation.