Health Care Providers In North Carolina File Lawsuit Against State Over Abortion Restrictions

North Carolina health officials have sued the state, challenging the constitutionality of some rulings against abortion.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed suit on behalf of Planned Parenthood of the South Atlantic and Dr. Beverly Gray. The lawsuit challenges North Carolina Senate Bill 20, which bans most abortions in the state after 12 weeks of gestation and is expected to go into effect July 1. .

The suit identifies the attorney general, the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, and the president of the North Carolina State Board of Nurses as the defendants, among others.

The suit invalidates the law and points to several alleged inconsistencies in the language and several areas in which the law is said to be unclear. In the lawsuit, plaintiffs note that the time between the bill's introduction and approval was less than 72 hours, which they argue would be a mandatory waiting period for abortions in North Carolina.

"As a result of this rushed process, SB 20 likely introduced incomprehensible, contradictory, irrational and/or unconstitutional terms in any part of the abortion process," prosecutors said.

Currently, abortions are allowed up to 20 weeks of pregnancy. However, lawmakers voted to override Gov. Roy Cooper's veto on SB 20, which would have placed stricter limits on abortion access. The new bill would also limit medical abortion after 10 weeks of pregnancy.

The plaintiffs argued that although the Supreme Court struck down federal abortion rights, "the Supreme Court's decision does not protect abortion restrictions from judicial review if, as in this case, those restrictions are unequivocal, unenforceable, and irrational, causing serious harm by Suffering and death for the purpose of legitimate government.”Without, and possibly violating, the First Amendment.”

For the latest news, weather, sports and video broadcasts, visit The Hill.

The Department of Justice filed a complaint against the state of North Carolina to ban discrimination...