Is Abortion Legal in North Carolina?
Yes, abortion is currently legal in North Carolina.
However, it’s essential to note the conditions surrounding this law. Abortion is allowed until 20 weeks, 6 days of pregnancy. After this period, abortion is typically prohibited except under certain exceptions, such as to save the pregnant person’s life or to prevent serious risk to their physical health.
It’s worth noting that a new law might go into effect on July 1, 2023, which would change the legal limit for an abortion to 12 weeks, 0 days of pregnancy.
North Carolina Abortion Laws: What You Need to Know
72-Hour Waiting Period
In North Carolina, there is a mandated 72-hour waiting period after counseling before you can proceed with an abortion. This rule is designed to give individuals time to consider their decision fully. However, in urgent cases where the pregnant person’s health is at risk, this waiting period can be waived. It’s recommended to inquire about remote counseling to reduce the number of necessary visits to the clinic.
Parental Consent for Minors
If you are under 18, you’ll need permission from a parent or legal guardian to have an abortion. In situations where acquiring parental consent is not possible, you can apply for a judicial waiver, or “judicial bypass,” allowing you to proceed without this consent. To confidentially connect with a trusted adult or lawyer who can help navigate the judicial waiver process in North Carolina, you can text ABBY to 844-997-2229.
Abortion Providers in North Carolina
There are several medical centers that provide abortion services in North Carolina. Below is an HTML table detailing some of these providers:
| City | Provider | Address | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asheville | Planned Parenthood – Asheville Health Center | 68 McDowell Street, Asheville, NC | (828) 252-7928 |
| Chapel Hill | Planned Parenthood – Chapel Hill Health Center | 1765 Dobbins Drive, Chapel Hill, NC | (919) 942-7762 |
| Charlotte | A Preferred Women’s Health Center – Charlotte | 3220 Latrobe Drive, Charlotte, NC | (704) 665-4120 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the legal limit for an abortion in North Carolina?
As of now, abortion is legal in North Carolina up to 20 weeks, 6 days of pregnancy. However, this might change on July 1, 2023, when a new law is expected to take effect, reducing the limit to 12 weeks, 0 days.
Is parental consent always needed for minors seeking an abortion in North Carolina?
While parental consent is generally required for those under 18, it is possible to get a judicial waiver in circumstances where obtaining parental consent is not possible.
Are there any abortion providers in North Carolina?
Yes, several providers offer abortion services in North Carolina, including Planned Parenthood and A Preferred Women’s Health Center, among others. Always verify the provider’s credentials and services before scheduling an appointment.