RALEIGH – The North Carolina Senate tentatively approved an unexpected abortion omnibus bill Tuesday evening in a vote of 27-14.

Senate Democrats criticized Republicans for bringing up the bill late on the day before the long July 4 weekend begins.

The proposed abortion restrictions were brought up in a Senate committee meeting at 5:30 p.m. The committee’s calendar only listed House Bill 695 on the agenda. The bill targets Islamic law in family matters such as divorce, child custody and alimony, also known as Sharia law. Republicans tacked the abortion regulations on to that bill

The new legislation would direct state regulators to change clinic rules so they’re similar to those for ambulatory surgery centers – a move Planned Parenthood says could shut down providers. According to legislative staff, only one clinic in the state currently meets that standard. The state’s four Planned Parenthood clinics don’t meet the requirement, as reported by the News and Observer. The bill would also require doctors to be present when women take drugs that induce abortions.

A final Senate vote is scheduled for Wednesday. The House also would have to approve the measure. Gov. Pat McCrory said last fall he was not in favor of signing additional abortion restrictions into law.

In response to this legislation, an impromptu protest is taking place outside the General Assembly at 9 a.m. Wednesday. It’s organized by the pro-choice group, the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League of North Carolina. Chapel Hill Town Council member Sally Greene is expected to attend.

Related Stories
‹
Abortion Restrictions To Undergo Further Review
"...if you go against us once you’ll have to pay for it with your election and your seat."
Chapel Hill Council Approves Multifamily Housing Project Near Durham Limits with Split Vote
The Chapel Hill Town Council recently approved a project that could bring affordable and multifamily housing to the edge of town.
Nonprofit Consultant, Artist Erik Valera to Join Race for 2025 Chapel Hill Town Council Seat
After falling short of earning election to the Chapel Hill Town Council two years ago, Erik Valera is preparing to run again.
Here Are the Orange County Local Governments' Approved Budgets, Tax Rates for 2025-26
Each of Orange County's local governments successfully approved their operating budgets and tax rates in June. Here are the highlights.
Chapel Hill Town Council's Adam Searing Not Seeking Second Term, Cites 'Heavy Lift' of Local Governing
Adam Searing, a nonprofit and health care attorney, described the Chapel Hill political climate as a major factor in his decision.
Chapel Hill Names Virginia Administrator Theodore Voorhees as New Town Manager
After a six-month search, the Town of Chapel Hill selected its next town manager on the doorstep of the new fiscal year. The Chapel Hill Town Council approved the selection and hired Theodore “Ted” Voorhees during its meeting Wednesday night, the elected body’s last before a summer break. Voorhees, the county administrator for the Orange […]
Chapel Hill Hears Update on 828 MLK Boulevard's Potential Uses, Coal Ash Remediation Options
The Chapel Hill Town Council recently heard an update on the effort to develop the 828 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard site.
Paris Miller-Foushee Launches Re-Election Campaign for Chapel Hill Town Council, Shares Priorities
The first incumbent in this fall's Chapel Hill Town Council election has entered the race, as Paris Miller-Foushee announced she is seeking a second term.
Moving to Carrboro, Karen Stegman to Leave Chapel Hill Town Council Early
Chapel Hill Town Council member Karen Stegman will step down from her seat on June 27, a few months before her term expires.
Chapel Hill Discusses LUMO Rewrite Delay, Debates the Level of Public Feedback
The Chapel Hill Town Council recently heard an update on its Land Use Management Ordinance (LUMO) rewrite, which is now behind schedule.
›