By L.A. Williams
Christian Action League
July 28, 2022
While the number of abortions in many southern states has begun to fall as stricter laws are passed in the wake of Roe v. Wade being overturned, both North Carolina and Florida are seeing a stark increase.
According to a report from Pew Charitable Trusts, tighter restrictions in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and South Carolina are pushing women to the two states where abortion is expected to remain legal, at least until the fall elections. Abortion is allowed in Florida until 15 weeks of pregnancy. In North Carolina, women can get an abortion as late as 24 to 28 weeks.
“We are seeing a drastic increase in arrivals at the Southeast’s busiest abortion center,” Jonathan DeVore, Charlotte City Director for Love Life, wrote Wednesday in a message to supporters of the pro-life ministry. “Our sidewalk outreach team members are seeing many moms from out of state.”
He said that on Wednesday alone, they noted nine vehicles from Georgia; two from Mississippi, two from Alabama, and one each from Tennessee and Virginia.
In 2020, the most recent year that stats are available, 31,850 abortions were performed in North Carolina. That’s 15.3 abortions per 1,000 women ages 15 to 44 in the Tar Heel State. A three-day waiting period for abortion seekers is required as is a mandatory ultrasound.
Abortion laws in Florida remain in flux. Its 15-week abortion limit just took effect July 5 and could be blocked, depending on an upcoming court case. If it is, the limit would go back to 24 weeks. Whether or not Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis is re-elected in November will likely also influence the situation.
In North Carolina, Republican legislators who would like to further limit abortion lack the super-majority needed to override a gubernatorial veto. Last month Gov. Roy Cooper signed an executive order guaranteeing special protections for both abortion providers and seekers. Also, Attorney General Josh Stein has said his office would not ask a federal judge to reinstate North Carolina’s 20-week ban on abortion. GOP legislative leaders had asked him to do so in light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade.
“Despite his faux outrage, Josh Stein knows full well that the 20-week ban on the books does not limit women’s freedom, but protects the unborn when they are capable of feeling pain in the womb,” House Speaker Tim Moore told the media.
Even in the midst of the bad news that North Carolina is becoming an abortion haven, pro-life workers report that lives are being saved.
“Two babies were saved from abortion today at Latrobe Drive in Charlotte,” DeVore reported.
“One mom drove all the way from Georgia to take the life of her baby, and she didn’t! Praise God!”
The Rev. Mark Creech, executive director of the Christian Action League, said now more than ever, it is time for Christians to reach out to women who find themselves facing an unplanned pregnancy.
“Whether they come from across the street or two states away to have an abortion, it’s imperative that they hear from us that they are loved and that we will support them as they walk through this difficult time,” he said.
Rev. Creech added, “Our governor has dared to lift his bloody hands against the innocent unborn by promising that he will do everything in his power to protect a so-called woman’s right to choose. But the Scriptures assure us ‘[t]hat the triumphing of the wicked is short, And the joy of the hypocrite is but for a moment? Though his haughtiness mounts up to the heavens, And his head reaches to the clouds, Yet he will perish forever like his own refuse; Those who have seen him will say, ‘Where is he?” He will fly away like a dream, and not be found; Yes, he will be chased away like a vision of the night. The eye that saw him will see him no more, Nor will his place behold him anymore.’ (Job 20:5-10). Without genuine repentance and faith in Christ, this is the end of all those in high places who ignore the Word of our Lord. This is the patience and faith of the people of God.”