12-week abortion ban
Enacted5/10
North Carolina · North Carolina SB 20 · May 16, 2023
Impact 5/10
Reduced North Carolina's abortion limit from 20 to 12 weeks, becoming law May 16, 2023 when the Republican-controlled legislature overrode Governor Cooper's veto, effective July 1, 2023. Exceptions extend to 20 weeks for rape and incest and to 24 weeks for life-limiting fetal anomalies, with a life-of-the-mother exception throughout pregnancy. The 12-week limit remains in effect.
Reproductive rightsYoung adults (18-30)Working-age adultsWomenParents / caregiversPregnant people
Sources
✓ Verified against primary sources 2026-08-16