RALEIGH (AP) — The state House is expected to engage in an impassioned floor debate before voting on the latest version of legislation addressing abortion rules in North Carolina that also seeks to satisfy concerns of Gov. Pat McCrory.
The chamber set aside three hours Thursday to discuss a measure that would increase standards for abortion clinics and require doctors performing abortions to remain physically present during the surgery or as a patient takes a drug to induce abortion.
House Republicans offered regulations that were slightly different than those inserted in another bill and approved by the Senate last week. That’s because McCrory was worried the Senate offering would reduce abortion access. He threatened to veto the previous bill otherwise.
Activists were expected to descend on the Legislative Building to watch the debate.