Abortion rights advocates in North Carolina are holding two 12-hour vigils to protest a restrictive bill that could close some abortion clinics in the state.
The protestors, organized by Planned Parenthood, are camping outside NC Governor Pat McCrory’s office. The vigils will take place from 10 AM to 8 PM today and tomorrow. The advocates are urging McCrory to veto a bill that would impose unnecessary restrictions on abortion clinics and force all but one clinic to close. McCory, who made a campaign promise that he would not sign any abortion restrictions into law, has pledged to sign the bill arguing that the restrictions are actually safeguards.
The bill in question forces abortion clinics to meet the same standards as ambulatory surgical centers, requires doctors to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital, and also allow medical personnel to deny abortion-related care, including referrals, if it conflicts with their morals.
Media Resources: SF Gate 7/29/2013; News Observer 7/28/2013; WCNC, 7/27/2013; Feminist Newswire 7/26/2013
