A North Carolina law that bans abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy took effect Saturday after a judge’s ruling on Friday allowed most of the law to take effect.
“Today’s ruling is a crucial win for the unborn and their mothers,” Caitlin Connors, southern regional director for the group SBA Pro-Life America, said, according to WRAL-TV.
“Passed with a supermajority of the legislature’s support, SB 20 reflects the will of the people of North Carolina. We celebrate that babies will be protected at 12 weeks gestation and the state’s record $160 million in funding for parental leave, material support, and many other resources will help women and children in North Carolina,” Connors said.
On Friday, U.S. District Judge Catherine Eagles, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama, blocked one provision of the law regarding paperwork doctors needed to produce. She otherwise rejected the request for a temporary restraining order, which would have blocked the law while court challenges play themselves out.
“The General Assembly provided the clarity physicians asked for and now Senate Bill 20, including the $160 million in funding for child care access, paid parental leave for state employees, maternal health, and other pro-family measures, will largely go into effect,” Lauren Horsch, a spokeswoman for Senate leader Phil Berger, said.
She added: “It’s unfortunate that Planned Parenthood — aided by Attorney General [Josh] Stein — hasn’t given up its crusade to save its business model.”
In her ruling, Eagles said issues with wording were largely resolved in legislation developed by lawmakers and signed this week by Gov. Roy Cooper, according to the Charlotte Observer.