North Carolina Governor Josh Stein Announces Pro-Abortion Agenda

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein takes bold action to protect abortion access amid national policy shifts.

These people want mothers-to-be to have abortions?

At a Glance

  • Governor Stein issues executive order safeguarding abortion access and related data
  • Order directs state agencies to protect women and healthcare providers from “extreme anti-reproductive freedom laws”
  • Agencies instructed to withhold patient records unless mandated by court order
  • North Carolina law bans abortion after 12 weeks, with some exceptions
  • Other states like New Jersey and Massachusetts also taking protective measures

Executive Order Details

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has issued an executive order aimed at protecting abortion access in the state. The order comes in response to recent restrictions limiting abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy, with exceptions only for cases such as medical emergencies, rape, incest, and substantial fetal anomalies.

The executive order instructs cabinet agencies to protect women and healthcare providers from what Stein refers to as “extreme anti-reproductive freedom laws.” This includes directing agencies not to assist in investigations or proceedings that could impose liability on lawful abortion services. Additionally, the order grants the governor discretionary authority over extradition requests related to lawful abortion services in North Carolina.

Privacy and Protection Measures

A key focus of the executive order is the protection of patient privacy. Cabinet agencies are instructed to review and revise policies to maximize privacy protections for abortion service records. The order also directs state law enforcement agencies not to arrest individuals charged with abortion-related violations in other states.

“Our state has seen alarming attacks on women’s reproductive rights over the past few years, and I remain committed to doing everything in my power to protect women’s freedoms and their privacy,” North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein said.

The state Department of Health and Human Services is tasked with ensuring consistent access to legal reproductive health care and birth control. In a move to protect state employees, pregnant cabinet agency staff are not required to travel to states with abortion restrictions.

North Carolina’s actions align with efforts in other states to protect reproductive rights. New Jersey, for instance, is stockpiling the abortion drug Mifepristone, while Massachusetts has approved emergency amendments to protect nurses providing abortion services.

“Women, not politicians, should make their own health care decisions,” Stein said as he announced the order on social media platform X. “As Governor, I will keep standing up for the women of North Carolina.”

The executive order was issued against the backdrop of potential federal changes, with President-elect Donald Trump stating he would veto a federal abortion ban if reelected, supporting state-level decision-making on abortion restrictions. This highlights the increasing importance of state-level actions in protecting reproductive rights.