By L.A. Williams, Correspondent
Christian Action League
Although a judge’s ruling blocking the ultrasound provision of North Carolina’s new “Woman’s Right to Know” Law means a woman isn’t guaranteed a view of her own baby, those considering abortion will at least get a look at detailed medical illustrations showing developmental stages of pregnancy as part of a comprehensive educational handbook now being provided. The book, available in hard copy and online, also includes information about abortion methods and about the risks of both abortion and childbirth.
In addition, women using the state’s new WRTK web site will have access to a 33-page directory which includes a county-by-county list of “public and private agencies and services available to assist her before and through pregnancy, upon childbirth and while the child is dependent.”
“We earnestly pray these resources and the 24-hour waiting period that is part of the law, will help more women make informed choices,” said the Rev. Mark Creech, executive director of the Christian Action League. “We believe many of them will choose life.”
Pro-life advocates had anticipated the law, as passed with the “Right to View” provision intact, would save as many as 3,000 lives per year.
“The Woman’s Right to Know Act is an important law,” Bill Brooks, president of the North Carolina Family Policy Council, said. “We encourage churches and other organizations that are involved in counseling to make sure their staff and members are aware of this new web site, as well as information that is made available by local pregnancy resource centers. Getting the correct information to women who may be considering an abortion has the potential to save thousands of innocent lives in North Carolina each and every year.”
With the passage of the law and legislators’ vote to override Gov. Bev Perdue’s veto, North Carolina joined some 25 other states that require informed consent and a waiting period prior to abortion.
The state’s new WRTK web site, which can be accessed via the Women’s and Children’s Health Section of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ site, gives details on abortion methods and their medical risks and also includes possible adverse psychological effects of abortion. Women can view medical illustrations of a baby at each stage from 2 to 4 weeks after conception to 38 to 40 weeks and read an explanation of what is happening at each juncture.
The handbook introduction encourages readers “to seek information on abortion services, alternatives to abortion, including adoption, and resources available to postpartum mothers.” It also points women to the Resource Directory and suggests that they seek guidance from “many public and private agencies” that “exist to provide counseling and information.”
Dr. Creech said women can only benefit from the additional resources and information that the law will provide.
“Now our prayer is that the “Right to View” portion of the law will be ruled constitutional so that the law can take full effect,” he added.
To view the new WRTK web site, click here
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