More US states act to defend unborn from abortion

North Carolina has joined the increasing number of US states to pass further legal protections for the unborn.

The ‘Care for Women, Children and Families Act’, which was initially blocked by state Governor Roy Cooper, went on to obtain enough votes from the legislature to enable it to become law. From July, abortions will only be available for most reasons until twelve weeks, replacing the current 20-week limit.

The Act also restricts the use of abortion pills after ten weeks, and requires mothers to have an in-person medical consultation beforehand.

‘Barbaric’

In Montana, the ‘Dismemberment Abortion Prohibition Act’ has outlawed abortion procedures that involve “tearing apart” an unborn child over twelve weeks old.

The law stated that the intentional use of such procedures for “elective reasons is a barbaric practice, is dangerous for the pregnant woman, and is demeaning to the medical profession”.

Medics who are found to deliberately commit such practices can be fined a maximum of $50,000 and sentenced up to ten years imprisonment.

‘Strong step’

Meanwhile in Florida, medics and organisations that have a conscientious objection to procedures such as abortions cannot be forced into performing or funding them.

SB 1580 stated that healthcare providers and insurers must be able to “care for patients in a manner consistent with their moral, ethical, and religious convictions”.

Stephanie Nichols, Legal Counsel at religious liberty group Alliance Defending Freedom, said: “Americans shouldn’t be forced to violate their ethical and religious beliefs, and this certainly includes doctors, nurses, and other medical providers.

“Thankfully, SB 1580 is a strong step in outlining comprehensive protections in Florida law for medical conscience and freedom of speech for medical providers.”

Saved lives

Earlier this year, it was revealed that at least 30,000 unborn lives have been saved from abortion since the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade in June 2022.

According to #WeCount, an estimated 32,260 fewer abortions took place in the six months following the judgment, which returned abortion law to state legislatures.