It has been two years since the U.S. Supreme Court ended the constitutional right to abortion care. Since then, many states, including North Carolina, have taken steps to either end or severely restrict access to abortion. In 2023, Republican state legislators in Raleigh passed a law that not only bans abortion after the 12th week of gestation but also imposes numerous additional restrictions on early-term abortions.
The impact of these changes on women’s health, pregnancy care, and the health professionals providing that care is significant. NC Newsline recently spoke with Dr. Beverly Gray, a leading expert in OB/GYN at Duke Health, to get her insights on these issues. Dr. Gray provided valuable information on how these changes have affected women and healthcare providers in North Carolina.
She highlighted the challenges faced by women seeking abortion care in the state, as well as the difficulties encountered by healthcare professionals trying to provide these services. The restrictive laws have made it harder for women to access safe and timely abortion care, leading to potential negative health outcomes. In addition, the increased burdens placed on healthcare providers have made it harder for them to offer comprehensive and compassionate care to their patients.
Overall, the changes to abortion laws in North Carolina have had a profound impact on women’s health and the healthcare system as a whole. Dr. Gray emphasized the need for continued advocacy and support for women’s reproductive rights in the state to ensure that all women have access to safe and timely abortion care.