New Abortion Law in North Carolina: A Threat to Women’s Health and Healthcare Providers?

In 2023, North Carolina became the latest state to implement a law restricting or completely banning abortion access. The new law, passed by Republican state legislators in Raleigh, prohibits abortions after the 12th week of pregnancy and imposes additional restrictions on early-term abortions.

The impact of these changes on women’s health and the quality of pregnancy care they receive, as well as on the healthcare professionals providing these services, has been significant. Dr. Beverly Gray, an OB/GYN at Duke Health and an expert on these issues, recently spoke with NC Newsline to gain insight into the effects of the new abortion laws in North Carolina.

Dr. Gray explained that while the new law may have some benefits for reducing the number of abortions performed, it also poses significant risks to women’s health. For example, many women may choose to carry pregnancies to term even if they are not healthy or viable, which can lead to complications and even death. Additionally, restrictions on access to early-term abortions can make it more difficult for women to receive timely medical attention for ectopic pregnancies or other complications that may arise during pregnancy.

The new law also imposes additional burdens on healthcare providers who provide abortion care. For example, providers must now obtain a written consent from patients before performing an abortion, which can be time-consuming and difficult for patients who may not fully understand the risks and benefits of terminating their pregnancy. Additionally, providers must comply with strict regulations around facility inspections and patient reporting requirements, which can be costly and burdensome.

Overall, Dr. Gray emphasized the importance of protecting women’s constitutional right to safe and legal abortion care. While there may be legitimate concerns about reducing the number of abortions performed in North Carolina and beyond, these concerns must be balanced against the need to ensure that all women have access to high-quality pregnancy care and support regardless of their individual circumstances or beliefs about reproductive rights.