Federal judges have expressed skepticism about reinstating North Carolina’s ban on abortions after the 20th week of pregnancyRALEIGH, N.C. -- Federal judges expressed skepticism on Thursday about reinstating North Carolina's ban on abortions after the 20th week of pregnancy, especially after state officials have acknowledged that the prohibition hasn't been enforced. On Thursday, lawmakers in the North Carolina House approved a measure banning abortions if a woman’s decision centers on the unborn child’s race or a Down syndrome diagnosis. North Carolina lawmakers who support the ban have argued that viability can be as early as 20 to 22 weeks. In 2014, they blocked a 2011 law requiring abortion providers to show and describe an ultrasound to the pregnant woman. Meanwhile, abortion clinics, physicians and others sued in state court last September, seeking to overturn five other abortion restrictions, including a 72-hour waiting period.

Source: ABC News May 06, 2021 09:45 UTC