NORTH CAROLINA – Democratic Governor Josh Stein of North Carolina issued an executive order on Thursday aimed at strengthening protections for reproductive health care access in the state.
The directive mandates state agencies to prioritise women’s medical privacy, safeguard doctors performing abortions, and refuse cooperation with investigations or penalties targeting individuals seeking reproductive health care, including abortion.
“Our state has seen alarming attacks on women’s reproductive rights over the past few years, and I remain committed to doing everything in my power to protect women’s freedoms and their privacy,” Stein stated.
The order also requires agencies to review and update data privacy policies concerning reproductive health care, reflecting growing concerns over digital privacy in the post-Roe landscape.
This measure comes as several Democratic governors take proactive steps to counter anticipated restrictions on reproductive health under a potential second Trump presidency. Last year, Oregon stockpiled a three-year supply of the abortion pill mifepristone, and New Jersey recently announced similar efforts.
Trump has stated he would leave abortion policies to individual states rather than impose a national ban. However, he has been ambiguous about future commitments, adding uncertainty to the evolving landscape of reproductive rights.
Governor Stein, who succeeded Roy Cooper last year, continues a legacy of defending reproductive rights. Cooper previously signed an executive order in 2022 barring state agencies from aiding out-of-state prosecutions of individuals seeking abortions. Despite these measures, North Carolina enacted a 12-week abortion ban in July 2023, marking a significant shift in its policies.
The order underscores Stein’s resolve to safeguard reproductive freedoms amid ongoing political and legal challenges.