N.C. Lawmakers Subvert Democratic Process, Announce Sweeping Ban and Restrictions on Abortion Without Public Notice or Input
Tonight, North Carolina legislators announced a sweeping bill that will ban abortion after 12 weeks of pregnancy in addition to other restrictions that will severely limit abortion care in the state. Legislative leadership plan to push Senate Bill 20 directly to the House and Senate floors via a conference committee report, a deliberate procedural move that will bypass the standard committee process and any opportunity for testimony from medical experts or public input. Legislators have not yet made the text of Senate Bill 20 available to the public, and Planned Parenthood South Atlantic is still evaluating how the bill will affect abortion care in the state.
Near-Total Abortion Ban Fails S.C. Senate
South Carolina Senate Advances Near-Total Abortion Ban
Today the South Carolina State Senate advanced House Bill 3774, a bill that bans abortion in nearly all circumstances. H. 3774 has already been approved by the House of Representatives and now moves on to a third and final vote in the Senate. If the Senate passes the bill on the third reading, it will immediately head to the governor’s desk for his signature.
Planned Parenthood South Atlantic Responds to Supreme Court Ruling About Mifepristone
Today the U.S. Supreme Court prevented a lower court’s decision in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine et al v. U.S. Food and Drug Administration et al that would have severely restricted medication abortion from going into effect. As a result, there is no change to the FDA's approval of mifepristone or its use in abortion care while the case proceeds.
Medication abortion remains legal and available in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic health centers will continue to provide medication abortions with mifepristone.
Planned Parenthood South Atlantic Responds to Ruling About Mifepristone
Today a federal judge in Texas blocked the FDA's original approval of mifepristone, one of two medications most commonly used in medication abortion. The decision in the case, Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine et al v. U.S. Food and Drug Administration et al, is the first time in history that a federal court has ordered the FDA to revoke approval of a drug over objections from the FDA and the manufacturer. The decision does not take effect for seven days in order to allow the FDA to appeal it.
S.C. State Senators Advance Two Anti-Transgender Bills
Today the South Carolina Senate Medical Affairs Subcommittee approved Senate Bill 627, a bill that would ban gender-affirming health care for anyone under 18 and require educators to “out” children who are transgender to their parents, potentially before they are ready to share. Senators also advanced Senate Bill 623, a bill that interferes with the identity documents of transgender people.
West Virginia Governor Justice Signs Ban on Essential Health Care
Today, Governor Justice signed House Bill 2007, a bill that bans gender-affirming care, including medications, to anyone under the age of 18 in most circumstances. Under the bill, some young people with severe gender dysphoria may be able to access hormone therapy if the diagnosis is confirmed by two doctors, including a mental health care provider, and if the minor has parental consent. The bill will go into effect on January 1, 2024.
W.V. House Passes Ban on Essential Health Care
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