Senate gives its final approval to expand NC abortion rules

By GARY D. ROBERTSON
Associated Press

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — The Senate has given its final approval to additional rules surrounding abortion in North Carolina, primarily one extending the waiting period for a woman to obtain the procedure from 24 hours to 72.

The Republican-led chamber voted 32-16 largely along party lines Monday night in favor of the bill after agreement on two amendments. The bill also requires doctors to provide more data to state regulators about certain second trimester abortions and makes clear abortion clinics will be inspected annually.

The bill now returns to the House, which passed a narrower version in April that also lacks several criminal justice measures the Senate approved. If the House accepts the Senate’s version, the bill would head to Gov. Pat McCrory’s desk. If not, the chambers must try to reach a compromise.

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