In 2023, North Carolina became the latest state to restrict or completely ban abortion access, following in the footsteps of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the constitutional right to abortion care two years earlier. The new law, implemented 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. NC Newsline recently spoke with Dr. Beverly Gray, an OB/GYN at Duke Health and an expert on these issues, to gain insight into the effects of the new abortion laws in North Carolina.
“These new laws have created a hostile environment for women seeking reproductive healthcare,” said Dr. Gray. “Women are now faced with longer wait times for appointments and limited access to safe and legal abortion options.”
Dr. Gray also pointed out that healthcare professionals are feeling pressure from the state government to comply with strict regulations that can make it difficult for them to provide quality care to their patients. “The restrictions on early-term abortions can be particularly challenging for healthcare providers,” she said. “These restrictions often force women to carry pregnancies that may not be viable or healthy for them or their babies.”
Overall, Dr. Gray believes that these new laws are detrimental to both women’s health and quality of life as well as to healthcare providers who seek to provide safe and effective care to their patients.
It is important for lawmakers in North Carolina and across the country to continue working towards expanding access to safe and legal abortion care rather than restricting it further. As our society continues
