New North Carolina abortion limits on legislative fast track

By GARY D. ROBERTSON and HANNAH SCHOENBAUM
Associated Press

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina lawmakers have started debating a package of abortion restrictions that would tighten the state’s ban on the procedure from after 20 weeks to 12 weeks. The bill also would create new exceptions to the ban but also more requirements for pregnant women and physicians. The full House was expected to vote on the measure later Wednesday, with the Senate to follow Thursday. Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper has vowed to veto the measure, calling it an “extreme ban.” But Republicans now hold veto-proof majorities in both chambers. GOP legislators and allies say the measure is pro-family and pro-child. It includes funds for things like child care, foster care and contraceptives.