By Paul “Skip” Stam, Attorney at Law
Christian Action League
November 30, 2021
For 49 years, since the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Roe v Wade, it has been legal in North Carolina for a doctor to abort the child of a consenting mother, up to birth, for almost any reason. A statute limiting abortions after five months had exceptions so broad that this limitation was disregarded and has currently been enjoined by a federal district court. The practical limitation on third trimester abortion is that I am not aware of facilities here that actually commit abortions past six months. In those cases, North Carolina mothers are referred to out-of-state hospitals, primarily to Washington DC or Maryland.
There is only one reason that can render an abortion illegal – if the purpose is to select or deselect the sex of the child. If a mother wants a boy or wants a girl and is naïve enough to tell the abortionist that she wants to abort her child if the sex is different from what she wants, then it is illegal. Governor Cooper vetoed HB453 that would prohibit abortion where the mother is seeking the abortion because of the race of the child or because the child has been diagnosed with Down Syndrome.
Some limitations have been in place over the last 5 to 25 years and, as a result, we have reduced abortion rates about 25% from the peak rate. What are the limitations?
First, the abortion must be performed by a doctor. There are no legal do-it-yourself abortions in North Carolina. On the internet, chemical abortions from pills purchased primarily from out of the country are available. The New York Times is asking its readers to stock up on chemical abortion pills. North Carolina requires the first pill for a chemical abortion to be administered in the presence of a prescribing physician. Skype abortions are not legal here. Do it yourself abortions are dangerous. If performed when the embryo is in the fallopian tube, this results in a life-threatening situation for the mother.
Second, all healthcare providers have conscience protections. Doctors, nurses, radiologists, pharmacists, and other healthcare workers cannot be forced to assist in an abortion in North Carolina.
Third, there is a 72-hour waiting period after the time that the mother first makes contact and has obtained specific health information orally from a physician or qualified professional. Information in writing provided by the state and available on its website or at pregnancy care services, or even from abortionists is required. That first contact for information does not require travel anywhere.
All clinic or hospital abortions are preceded by an ultrasound in order to determine that the woman is actually pregnant, and that the pregnancy is not dangerously in her fallopian tubes. Since 1994, ultrasound has been required by administrative rule for almost all abortions. Even if the administrative rule had not been promulgated by Governor Jim Hunt’s DHHS, it would still be required by the standard of care. If the mother asks to see the ultrasound or asks questions about it, the abortionist cannot deny that to her.
Fourth, state and local governments may not pay for abortions, except where the mother’s life is at stake or in cases of rape or incest. The state abortion fund for the poor was virtually eliminated in 1996. In 2012, the State Health Plan stopped paying for elective abortions. In 2013, cities and counties stopped paying for elective abortion. Health insurance policies purchased by North Carolinians on the Obamacare exchange cannot pay for elective abortions.
Fifth, since 1996 it has been illegal to abort the child of a mother under 18, without first obtaining either the informed consent of her parent or approval by a judge. While most district court judges approve, and the parents do not even know about the court proceeding, that a minor has to go to court to get the judge’s approval means the rate of abortions on mothers under 18 has gone way down since 1996.
In North Carolina, there have been over one million abortions reported since 1973. More than 100,000 have probably been prevented or discouraged following these legislative restrictions, mostly since
2011.
What can you do about this scourge?
First. Take a look at this photo on the right of a three-month-old unborn child. Most abortions are performed at or before this age. Now look below at the photo of a six-month-old unborn child. In North Carolina abortions are performed through this age. This information is easily available on the internet.
Second. Share this information with children and teenagers. I have been teaching fourth graders for almost 20 years. At Christmas, I teach the first chapter of Luke. I show them what John the Baptist looked like at 6 months when he was full of the Holy Spirit and leaping for joy in the physical presence of the preborn Jesus. And I show them the three-month photo which is what Jesus looked like at the time John the Baptist was born and Zechariah, his father, was proclaiming that the Redeemer – Jesus – had already come. I trust God that these students will never consider an abortion as they remember what Jesus and John looked like when they were very young.
Third. Contact every governmental representative of yours at every level. Let them know what you think. You don’t know your leaders? Why not? Find out. Mass emails are not effective, but a personal email or, better yet, a real letter or phone call or, even better, a personal visit from you makes a big difference. Tell something about yourself and the reasons that you want to stop this “Slaughter of the Innocents.”
Fourth. Watch your language. Why call an abortionist a doctor? Why call the unborn or preborn child a “fetus” or an “embryo”? Using Latin or Greek does not change reality. Don’t call an abortion “murder.” It may be the moral equivalent of murder, but the term “kill” or “destroy” is more accurate.
Fifth. Volunteer now or contribute money now to your local pregnancy support center. There are about 78 in North Carolina. They make a real difference. The virus has been a real problem for the women (and men) they serve. As a result, the centers have been having a greater impact than ever before.
Sixth. After 49 years the year of Jubilee could start. The U.S. Supreme Court is considering whether to overrule Roe v. Wade. Consider attending the N.C. March for Life on January 15 and the National March for Life in D.C. on January 21, 2022.
Seventh and finally. Stay in this fight for the long haul. Devotion to Molech and to Asherah has a very long history.
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The author, Paul “Skip” Stam, served in the NC House of Representatives for 16 years. The last 10 years, 2007- 2016, he served as Minority Leader, Majority Leader and Speaker Pro Tem.
For further information see www.paulstam.info
A video version of this paper is linked here (you do have to click the play button).
Articles
2019 – The Law does NOT protect the lives of children who survive an abortion
2019 – Chinese Christians – Abortion and Gendercide
2018 – Abortion Law in North Carolina
2016 – “Choose Life” License Plates now available
2016 – Prolife Legislation and litigation
Documents: NC Abortion Law 11.5.21 02
