Federal judge declares NC abortion pill restrictions unlawful

CHARLOTTE — A federal judge has ruled that some of North Carolina’s abortion pill restrictions are unlawful.

It’s over the drug Mifepristone.

The recent ruling is a victory for a physician who is suing state and local prosecutors, along with state health and medical officials.

Down in Florida, the six-week abortion ban has been passed, making North Carolina the last state in the southeast without a near-total ban.

But physician Dr. Erica Pettigrew says the state’s current 12-week abortion ban is still creating hoops for women to jump through.

“The medical community was begging politicians in Raleigh not to pass any more restrictions on abortion,” Pettigrew said, “but they did anyway, and that was directly because Trump’s policies led to them being allowed to do that.”

Pettigrew is nervous that doctors will begin leaving the Tarheel state if lawmakers pass stricter laws.

Abortion impact

Cabarrus County State Representative Diamond Staton-Williams says the move is a step toward restoring women’s health in the state.

“Having access to medical abortions, pills, and abortions, period, is in the best benefit for women,” Staton-Williams told Channel 9′s Eli Brand.

Proponents of restrictions, like Dr. William Pincus with North Carolina Right to Life, say they’re happy the judge upheld laws requiring an ultrasound and blood test before the pills are given. Pincus says he does worry where courts could be heading with their decision making.

“Most pro-life laws are challenged by the abortion industry; part of that is because abortion is very lucrative,” Pincus said.

Both Staton-Williams and Pincus say the fight over abortion is far from over in North Carolina.

“It does give me hope. It does give me the ability to continue to fight. I think most women want to be in this fight to help other women,” Staton-Williams said.

Pincus says the growing number of women coming to North Carolina to seek an abortion affects his stance.

“We have concern that there is going to be a flood of women from the Southeast that is seeking abortions, that come to North Carolina, so we would like to strengthen our abortion laws,” Pincus said.

(WATCH BELOW: After having illegal abortion 50 years ago, NC woman fears impact of 12-week ban)

After having illegal abortion 50 years ago, NC woman fears impact of 12-week ban

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