North Carolina governor rolls out further abortion protections ahead of next Trump term
Associated PressJAN 18
North Carolina Governor Issues Reproductive Rights Order Before Trump Takes Office
Above: North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein, when he was the state's attorney general, speaking Aug.16, 2024. Image copyright: Allison Joyce/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
Democratic North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein on Thursday issued an executive order directing state agencies not to cooperate with out-of-state investigations or prosecutions related to legal reproductive healthcare services, building upon former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper's 2022 protections.
The order requires state agencies to review and maximize privacy protections for reproductive health data, ensures access to legal birth control, and prevents state law enforcement from arresting individuals wanted in other states for receiving legal reproductive care in North Carolina.
North Carolina currently allows abortion access up to 12 weeks and six days of pregnancy, making it one of the least restrictive states in the US South. Most neighboring states enforce stricter bans ranging from six weeks to total prohibition.
The Spin
Left narrative
This order protects every woman's right to make her own healthcare decisions. It also safeguards medical professionals providing legal care and ensures North Carolina remains a sanctuary for reproductive healthcare access in the South. This is particularly crucial as the Trump administration may attempt to enforce stricter laws on a federal level.
Right narrative
Stein is exceeding his legal authority and violating the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the Constitution by attempting to shield medical personnel who violate other states' laws by killing unborn children. This order demonstrates misplaced priorities and promotes dangerous practices while undermining state sovereignty.
Metaculus Prediction
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