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The news around North Carolina’s abortion laws, and abortion laws across the United States, is evolving daily. If you have any questions about the latest abortion law information, please do not hesitate to call Adoptions With Love.
North Carolina abortion laws have been a highly contentious topic recently. State lawmakers and voters on either side of the aisle have been debating reproductive rights since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and living in North Carolina, you may be considering your options. After the many changes that have been happening rapidly around the country – you may be wondering whether abortion laws in North Carolina have impacted your rights.
Navigating an unplanned pregnancy is never easy. Right now, you may be feeling overwhelmed and stressed, but it is important to know that you still have options. There are resources to help, as well. You can find the support you need and deserve during this difficult time in your life.
In this short guide to North Carolina abortion laws, we will share the information you need. We will explain the abortion laws in North Carolina as they stand right now, as well as the other choices you have. Keep reading to learn more.
Current Abortion Laws in North Carolina
North Carolina abortion laws dictate that termination is only permitted until 12 weeks of pregnancy. Termination requires an in-person counseling session at least three days prior to the abortion procedure. For those who opt for the abortion pill, a follow-up appointment is required at least 7-14 days after the medication is used.
Shortly after the restrictions were put into place, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper set adjustments into place, giving some comfort to healthcare professionals. These exceptions to the 12-week restriction include:
- In cases of rape or incest, abortion is legal through 20 weeks.
- If an expectant mother is facing a life-limiting fetal anomaly, abortion is permitted through 24 weeks.
- If the expectant mother is facing a severe health risk or life-threatening condition, abortion is permitted at any point of pregnancy.
Your Pregnancy Options in North Carolina
If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, you should understand all your pregnancy options before making any decisions. In North Carolina, you have the following choices:
- Parenthood
- Abortion (until 12 weeks, with some exceptions)
- Adoption
At Adoptions With Love, we believe that anyone who is pregnant deserves the right to choose what is best for themselves and their child. Abortion may be a path you are considering. It is your choice. Only you can make this decision. If you want to learn more about abortion, Planned Parenthood of North Carolina can be a helpful resource. It is important to understand the risks and side-effects before choosing to have an abortion procedure. Only a doctor or well-trained healthcare professional can administer the termination.
If you do not wish to – or cannot – have an abortion, that is okay, too. You still have two other pregnancy options to consider.
Parenthood
Oftentimes, expectant mothers will consider parenthood. This is common, even when the pregnancy is unplanned. Parenthood can be a rewarding experience, but it is also a lifelong commitment. Before deciding to take this path, consider how a child will change your life. Consider your lifestyle and how you will support a growing family. Ask yourself earnest questions, such as:
- Who can I lean on for support?
- How and when will I make time for my own passions?
- Will I be able to offer my child a safe and stable home?
These are just a few factors to consider before choosing parenthood.
Adoption
We understand that adoption is not an alternative to abortion, but it can be a positive choice for someone who is not yet ready to parent. This is not the right path for everyone, but it can offer many benefits to expectant/birth mothers. Choosing adoption is a thoughtful, selfless, and loving decision. It means placing your needs and desires aside and making a choice that ensures your child has a life that you may not be able to provide now.
Making an adoption plan in North Carolina can offer your child a wonderful life, but it can also offer plenty of freedoms for your life, as well. With open adoption, making an adoption plan does not mean having to say, “goodbye forever.” It is the start of a new beginning.
With adoption, you can choose any adoption plan that meets your needs. You can choose between:
With the assistance of a North Carolina adoption agency, you can choose your child’s adoptive family, as well. You can choose to speak with – or meet –the family before making your final decision. For many birth parents, this marks the start of several important relationships. The bond formed between birth and adoptive families is a powerful one, sharing the love of one precious child that means the world to both parties.
If you are considering adoption in North Carolina, you can rest assured there are resources available. The best North Carolina adoption agencies offer expectant/birth parents supportive services, free of charge. At Adoptions With Love, those planning an adoption have access to the following:
- Housing support. We can cover a deposit and several months of rent.
- Other living expenses, such as utilities, phone bills, transportation, and maternity clothes, as needed.
- Medical care. We can cover any uninsured medical bills related to the pregnancy and birth.
- Legal guidance. Our trained adoption attorneys are experienced in adoption in North Carolina and ensure that your adoption goes through safely and legally. They will also take the time to answer your questions and make sure your rights are protected every step of the way.
- Compassionate counseling, before and after the adoption is finalized.
- Ongoing support. We can work with you as you navigate your adoption plan for the many years following the adoption. If you choose a closed adoption, we keep photos and letters on file, should you decide to open the adoption later.
Learn More About Adoption
The best adoption agencies in North Carolina will guide you through the adoption process and give compassionate support every step of the way. You do not have to face this unplanned pregnancy alone. A reputable North Carolina adoption agency, such as Adoptions With Love, can offer you an adoption team with lawyers who are experienced in adoption laws in North Carolina and can keep you informed of your rights. You should feel empowered to choose whichever path works best for you, while being treated with respect and compassion.
If you would like to learn more about adoption in North Carolina, contact Adoptions With Love today. We can listen to you and answer any questions you may have, free of obligation or commitment. Call us any time of day, any day of the week at 800-722-7731, text us confidentially at 617-777-0072, or contact us online.