Abortions in North Carolina plummeted by more than 30% after the state passed new abortion restrictions on July 1, 2023, including a 12-week abortion ban, according to new Guttmacher Institute data released on Wednesday.
New Data Reveals Over 30% Decrease in North Carolina Abortions, Potentially Linked to New State Restrictions
According to the new figures, 4,230 abortions were performed in North Carolina’s health-care system in June. In July, however, just 2,920 abortions were performed. This represents a drop of more than 30%.
The Guttmacher Institute is an abortion rights research and policy organisation. The data compiled by the institution is based on surveys of abortion providers and state health departments.
According to the new data, North Carolina’s reduction in abortions is not exceptional. According to the Guttmacher Institute, abortion decreased by 7% in July compared to June. The fall in North Carolina, however, was far steeper than the national average.
The Guttmacher Institute linked North Carolina’s decrease in abortions to the state’s new regulations. The new law prohibits most abortions beyond 12 weeks of pregnancy, with exceptions for rape, incest, and the mother’s life or health.
Raises Debate Over Women’s Access to Care
Women must also have two in-person appointments before getting an abortion under the new law. The first session is for counselling, and the second is for the actual abortion.
The Guttmacher Institute discovered that the two-in-person appointment requirement was especially onerous for women. Who reside in remote locations or have trouble travelling. The research also discovered that the new law made it more difficult for women to receive timely abortions.
The new data is sure to stoke the debate in North Carolina over abortion rights. The new law’s supporters argue that it is important to safeguard the unborn. Opponents argue that the measure is unconstitutional and will endanger women’s health.
