North Carolina governor rolls out further abortion protections ahead of next Trump term

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- North Carolina's Democratic Governor Josh Stein introduced new protections for healthcare providers and patients' reproductive health data on Thursday, just days before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. This move aligns with efforts from other Democratic governors, like New Jersey's Phil Murphy, who have initiated measures to safeguard reproductive rights amid concerns over potential anti-abortion policies under Trump's administration.

Stein emphasized his commitment to privacy and the right to personal health decisions during a news conference, stating, "I don't know what will happen, but I am trying to communicate to the people of this state that they have a champion in me." The executive order stipulates that state agencies should refrain from cooperating with prosecutions against healthcare providers offering legal reproductive services, including abortion.

Additionally, the order mandates state agencies to enhance protections for personal reproductive health data and ensures that the health department will facilitate access to legal birth control and reproductive health medications in North Carolina. This initiative builds on former Governor Roy Cooper's 2022 executive order that aimed to protect abortion patients from out-of-state extradition and restricted state agency involvement in investigations of those seeking abortions.

Stein’s latest actions highlight a sustained commitment by Democratic governors to provide safe havens for individuals seeking abortion services. North Carolina stands out in the South, as it does not impose severe restrictions like a six-week abortion limit seen in other states. While the GOP-led state legislature previously passed a law prohibiting most abortions after 12 weeks, a federal judge overturned a part of it, reinforcing the ongoing legal battles surrounding abortion access.

The political landscape appears more favorable for Stein's initiatives, as Republicans recently lost their supermajority in the state House, which may streamline the process for vetoes and support for reproductive rights legislation compared to past administrations.