The Senate took a surprise vote Tuesday night to add more restrictions on surgical and medical abortions. Abortion clinics would have to meet standards similar to those for outpatient surgery clinics. Doctors would have to be present when women take pills that induce abortions.
The bill’s supporters say its about safety, but opponents said the real reason is to restrict abortions. A legislative staff member said only one abortion clinic in the state would meet the new licensing standards. A spokeswoman for Planned Parenthood said she knew of none.
Women who found out about the vote on Facebook and Twitter last night came to the legislature on about 12 hours notice. By 9 a.m. the gallery was full and about 200 people had gathered outside.
“I’ve seen this happening elsewhere in the country,” said Valerie Evans of Raleigh. “I feel like we have to stand up and push back.”
Evans said she knew the Senate would probably approve the measure, but she wanted them to know that many people disapprove.
“It’s sneaky,” Tanya Olson of Durham said of the surprise Senate action. “It’s not right. They have to know that people know this.”
So happy Independence day, NC. Sorry about your rights and all.
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