North Carolina governor tightens abortion protections

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein issued an executive order on Thursday installing more protections for abortion access at several levels within the state. Stein insisted the order is preemptive and voiced concerns that federal officials may soon enact national laws protecting the unborn. At a news conference, the governor claimed the order would assure North Carolinians that they would continue to have access to abortions despite the recent political power shift.

Legal compliance: Notably, the order barred cabinet agencies, to the extent legally possible, from cooperating with investigations into someone receiving, aiding, or performing an abortion. The measure makes exceptions for investigations involving a court order. Stein’s order also directs state police and other authorities not to arrest individuals who are facing abortion-related charges stemming from other states. Stein also called on the Department of Public Safety to ensure the safety of all abortion facilities.

Health literature: Stein’s order requested health officials note relevant differences between pregnancy organizations and the services they offer. The governor also ordered the department to ensure residents have consistent access to birth control and abortion-inducing drugs.

Data collection: Agencies were also instructed on policies on data collection and retention to maximize the privacy of individuals. The order specifically called for increased security involving records and data related personal health records and geolocation information.

Stein’s order continues the state’s history of enacting pro-abortion policies. North Carolina law currently protects babies from abortion after about 12 weeks in the womb. Abortions are allowed after that point if the life or health of the mother is at risk, or if the child is viewed as nonviable.

WORLD reached out to North Carolina Right to Life for Comment and will update this story upon receipt of a response.

Dig deeper: Read my report on the New Jersey governor’s plan to stockpile abortion pills in response to the federal power shift.