Abortion in North Carolina

En español.

We are facing monumental challenges to reproductive freedom.

Since the federal protections of Roe v. Wade were overturned in 2022, reproductive freedom now comes down to advocacy on the state level. The margins are razor-thin in the General Assembly, and anti-abortion legislators have already managed to pass bills restricting abortion. It will take all of us to maintain and secure abortion rights in our state.

During this tumultuous time, many are confused and scared about how the current political landscape will impact their current or future access to abortion. We want to answer all your questions and ensure that you have all the information you need to access abortion. 

You may also be wondering how you can get involved with reproductive advocacy and help protect abortion access in our state. We have some tools to help you engage in the work being done on the ground to protect abortion access in North Carolina.

This guide is a comprehensive collection of information, resources, and action items for abortion in NC. 

In June 2023, the NC General Assembly passed a bill banning most abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy and adding a multitude of restrictions on abortion prior to 12 weeks. Most parts of the bill went into effect on July 1, 2023. According to the Guttmacher Institute, facility-based abortions declined by 31% in the month after these provisions started.

This guide includes up-to-date legal restrictions on abortion in North Carolina.

Abortion is a normal part of reproductive health care. No one should be forced to carry a pregnancy against their will. We are here to help, and we won’t back down.  

Need an abortion?

Everything you need to know to get an abortion in North Carolina.

Abortion Access in NC

As abortion rights shift across the country, educating yourself on the current state of the law is important. Experiencing an unexpected pregnancy can be overwhelming, especially when you have to navigate complex — and rapidly changing — legal and social dynamics to access health care.  

Abortion is a normal part of reproductive health care. You have a right to make decisions about your body, and we will help you identify resources to support those decisions. 

Accessing Abortion in North Carolina

How to avoid fake abortion clinics

Getting an Abortion as a Minor
 

Become an abortion advocate

Some tools and advice on advocating for abortion rights in North Carolina.

Abortion Advocacy in NC

If there’s one thing we’ve learned this year, it’s that we cannot rely on the federal government to protect our right to abortion. We must work within our state to ensure that people can continue to access abortion services in North Carolina in a post-Roe world.  
There is strength in community. We have a responsibility to our fellow North Carolinians to fight for our abortion rights. Together, we can take steps to protect access to abortion for all. 

Advocating for Abortion in NC

Bans are bad for business

Are you a business leader in North Carolina? Sign our letter!

Abortion Bans are Bad for Business

We're asking NC-based businesses to sign on to our letter urging state legislators not to pass legislation limiting abortion access and LGBTQ rights.

Don't Ban Equality letter

Legislator scorecard

Want to know how your representatives are voting on key issues?

2023 Legislator Scorecard on Equality

This year, the General Assembly voted to pass several harmful bills, including a 12-week abortion ban, despite Governor Cooper's veto. You can check how your representatives voted on these pivotal bills with our scorecard.

How did your representatives vote on equality?

North Carolina's Abortion Story

Check out our short documentary on abortion rights in North Carolina.

North Carolina's Abortion Story: a film by Narrative Arts and the ACLU of North Carolina. Image of the Statue of Liberty and the ACLU of North Carolina logo.

North Carolina’s Abortion Story is an impactful documentary that aims to amplify the voices of individuals navigating the landscape of reproductive rights in North Carolina. The film explores the history of abortion in North Carolina, the modern movement for reproductive justice, and the impact of abortion bans on patients and providers. Through intimate interviews, personal narratives, and expert commentary, the documentary paints a vivid picture of the historic and current barriers impacting people seeking abortion in the state. Join us as we dive into the devastating impact of political attacks in a state already struggling to provide abortion seekers with safe harbor.

Learn more

Host a viewing of the film

Abortion Week 2024

Learn about the abortion access crisis happening in North Carolina and how you can help. 

Our New Reality: Abortion Access Crisis

We are in the midst of an abortion access crisis. The good news is, there are lots of ways you can help. Abortion care has always been community-based and community-supported. We need each other more than ever.  

Abortion Week 2024