Abortion/Extend Conscience Protection (S942) and (H962)
This bill would modify the current abortion statute which gives protection to doctors and nurses who do not wish to perform or participate in abortions. It would extend protection to pharmacists and other health care providers who are opposed to administering services that result in an abortion. Their refusal shall not be a basis for damages and for any disciplinary or recriminatory action, such as loss of employment.
Abortion – Woman's Right to Know (S571) and (H998)
This bill would require that 24 hours before a woman receives an abortion she is told the name of the physician who will perform the abortion, the medical risks involved for the particular abortion procedure, the medical risks in carrying her child to term, and the probable gestational age of her unborn child at the time when the abortion is to be performed. Also, she must be told if the person performing the abortion does NOT have hospital privileges or malpractice insurance. If the physician uses ultrasound equipment in the performance of an abortion, the physician shall inform the woman that she has the right to view the ultrasound image of her unborn child. She must be offered materials from the Department of Health and Human Services that describe the unborn child and lists agencies that offer alternatives to abortion.
No Abortions Under State Health Plan (S569) and (H854)
This bill ends abortion coverage in the Teachers' and State Employees' Comprehensive Major Medical Plan. Maternity care would no longer include medical or surgical abortions. The basic package in this Plan has included abortion coverage since its inception in 1981. The number of abortion cases and dollars paid out has been steadily increasing. In 2001 about 550 abortions costing over $1.25 million were paid for by the state of North Carolina.
"Choose Life" License Plate (S96) and (H64)
This bill authorizes the Division of Motor Vehicles to issue a "Choose Life" Special License Plate for an additional fee of $25.00. Proceeds will be distributed annually to non-governmental, not-for-profit crises pregnancy centers. No agency that is involved or associated with abortion activities may receive these funds. These funds may not be given to an agency that charges women for services received.
Conscience Protection/Contraceptives (S595) and (H642)
This bill restores the health care "right of conscience" that was lost in 1999 when North Carolina law mandated the following: All health benefit plans that provide coverage for general prescription drugs or outpatient services must provide coverage for FDA-approved prescribed contraceptive drugs and devices or outpatient contraceptive services. Except for plans that self-insure and for a narrow exception for religious entities, this mandate was for all NC participants in the private health care market. The current NC statute forces people and organizations who oppose the use of abortifacient drugs to purchase health care services which are contrary to their religious and moral beliefs. This bill provides a conscience exception for objecting employers, organizations, associations or employed individuals. It says that the insurer shall provide a plan that is not objectionable and shall adjust the premiums appropriately.
Notarized Consent for Minor's Abortion (S570) and (H830)
This bill closes the "forged note from mommy" loophole in the present parental consent law. Current law requires that an unemancipated minor must obtain a parent's (or judge's) written consent for abortion. This bill requires that the parent's permission must be signed at the abortion facility or notarized. The physician at the abortion clinic shall retain in the medical records of said minor a copy of the documentary evidence.
Physician-Assisted Suicide (S145, or v.2 draft, or v.6 draft)
This
bill has the purpose of banning physician assisted suicide. However, as
currently written it would not prevent someone from killing patients
as Kevorkian (“Dr. Death”) did in Michigan. It would not
prohibit assisting a suicide if the perpetrator is not a licensed
healthcare professional, nor if he is a physician whose license is
already revoked, nor if his action is in compliance with an advanced
directive, nor if he assists a suicide by supplying the patient with
a loaded gun or other deadly device.
Fortunately, the bill sponsor, Sen. Forrester, has drafted a proposed committee
substitute version of the bill which would correct these
problems. This bill is currently being considered by the Senate Judiciary II
Committee, which we hope will adopt Sen. Forrester's new version
to fix the bill.
Fetal Homicide (H1106)
This bill defines the crimes of "Murder of an Unborn Child," "Manslaughter of an Unborn Child," etc., which would apply when someone other than the unborn child's mother causes the death of her child. It would not ban abortion, but if someone assaults a pregnant worman, or gives her an abortifacient without her knowledge, causing her to miscarry, that would be a felony under most circumstances.