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Senate Gives Its Final Approval to Expand NC Abortion Rules

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Updated Monday 8:36 pm:

The Senate has given its final approval to additional rules surrounding abortion in North Carolina, primarily one extending the waiting period for a woman to obtain the procedure from 24 hours to 72.

The Republican-led chamber voted 32-16 largely along party lines Monday night in favor of the bill after agreement on two amendments. The bill also requires doctors to provide more data to state regulators about certain second trimester abortions and makes clear abortion clinics will be inspected annually.

The bill now returns to the House, which passed a narrower version in April that also lacks several criminal justice measures the Senate approved. If the House accepts the Senate's version, the bill would head to Gov. Pat McCrory's desk. If not, the chambers must try to reach a compromise.

Updated Monday 6:15 am:

Republicans in the North Carolina Legislature appear comfortable extending the waiting period for an abortion and requiring doctors to expand what they give state regulators about some abortions they perform.

The Senate plans a final vote Monday night on its version of the House bill. During last week's vote, nearly all of the GOP senators voted "yes," while all Democrats present voted "no."

The House passed a narrower version in April. Both chambers' proposals increase a woman's waiting period from 24 hours to 72 hours after she talks to a doctor or other qualified professional. The Senate added several criminal justice measures.

If the House accepts the Senate's version, the bill would head to Gov. Pat McCrory's desk. If not, the chambers must try to reach a compromise.

Original Post:

A bill that would extend the abortion waiting period to 72 hours in North Carolina has moved closer to passage with a favorable vote on the Senate floor.

After a lengthy debate, the full Senate gave tentative approval to the bill on Thursday. A final Senate vote could come next week.

A version of the bill has already passed the state House, but that chamber would need to approve provisions added by Senate Republicans that include several criminal justice measures.

Under the waiting-period provision, women would have to talk to a doctor or other qualified professional 72 hours before having an abortion, unless there's a medical emergency. Several other states have 72-hour waiting periods.

The bill would also require a specialist in obstetrics or gynecology to perform the procedure.

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