North Carolina lawmakers override veto, enact 12-week abortion ban 

North Carolina lawmakers have managed to override Governor Roy Cooper’s veto on a bill that imposes a ban on most abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy. The measure, initially passed by the Republican-controlled legislature in early May, faced opposition from the Democratic governor but was overturned in consecutive votes. The new law, effective from July 1, reduces the abortion window from 20 weeks and includes exceptions for cases of rape, incest and medical emergencies. 

The Care for Women, Children and Families Act, as it is officially known, received party-line approval in the state Senate on May 4 before passing in the House of Representatives. Governor Cooper vetoed the bill at a rally, denouncing it as an obstacle to progress and a setback for women’s health. 

In addition to the abortion ban, the legislation places restrictions on abortion pills after 10 weeks and introduces additional requirements, such as an in-person consultation with a doctor prior to the procedure. The law allocates $160 million for contraception, foster and childcare, and paid parental leave.