types of abortion care

north carolina laws

After July 1, 2023

Abortion laws and restrictions currently in place in NC:
  • All patients are required to receive the biased counseling script and affirm each point of the script at an in-person appointment before the mandatory 72 hour delay can start
    • Means every patient must come in at least twice
  • Medication abortion will only be allowed up to 10 weeks
  • Medication abortion patients will be required to schedule three in-person appointments
    • 3rd appointment is required to be scheduled 7-14 days after the 2nd appointment
  • Abortion is banned after 12 weeks with limited expectations:
    • 12 – 20 week exception: rape and incest (only allowed in a hospital)
    • 20 – 24 week exception: “life-limiting” fetal anomaly (only allowed in a hospital)
    • During all weeks of pregnancy exception: life / medical emergency
  • Must be 18 or older (may apply for “judicial bypass” if under 18 and cannot get guardian consent)Text Abby, is a text line that helps minors navigate judicial bypass in NC.
  • Must be performed in designated abortion clinic
  • There are 14 clinics in 9 counties offering abortion care
  • NC prohibits telemedicine abortion
  • Can only be performed or prescribed by a physician (even medication abortion)
  • Ultrasound required

prior to July 1, 2023

Abortion laws and restrictions currently in place in NC:
  • Abortion is banned after 20 weeks of pregnancy. After 20 weeks, North Carolina has a narrow exception for medical emergencies, and does not include exceptions for fetal anomalies or for mental health emergencies.
  • Must be 18 or older (may apply for “judicial bypass” if under 18 and cannot get guardian consent) Text Abby, is a text line that helps minors navigate judicial bypass in NC.
  • Must be performed in designated abortion clinic There are 14 clinics in 9 counties offering abortion care
  • There is a mandatory 72-hr waiting period between first consultation and procedure
  • NC prohibits telemedicine abortion
  • Can only be performed or prescribed by a physician (even medication abortion)
  • Ultrasound required