From the Office of Rep. Jacqueline M. Schaffer
House of Representatives
District 105 — Mecklenburg County
PRESS ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
— Thursday, April 23rd, 2015 —
RALEIGH – House Bill 465: 72 Hours Informed Consent by Person or Phone passed the House by a vote of 74 – 45.
While the bill improves data collection on these procedures to ensure proper record keeping, the main provision changes the waiting period for a woman to make her informed decision from 24 to 72 hours. The time period can begin with a telephone call to a qualified person who provides the requisite information.
“This is about respecting women and also saving lives,” said Rep. Susan Martin, a primary sponsor of the bill.
North Carolina will follow Utah, South Dakota and, most recently, Missouri (2014) in lengthening this pivotal time for a woman to process the information she has received regarding her choices. She may receive this information by telephone, online or by a visit depending on her circumstances and preferences.
“Please allow a woman the time to reach out to Pregnancy Support Clinics” stated primary sponsor Rep. Pat McElraft.
Rep. Rena Turner said, “We ought to give as much time for this decision as we do for other important legal matters“.
HB 465 allows the decision-maker time to think through her circumstances. Whether to have an abortion is an irrevocable life or death decision that deserves this time.
Rep. Jacqueline Schaffer, the lead sponsor of the bill, stated, “Providing women with 72 hours versus 24 hours, this is empowering to women, this gives women the ability to make an informed decision.”
The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
For further information, contact Rep. Jacqueline Schaffer (919) 733-5886.
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Attachments: HB 465; HB 465 Bill Summary; Required Waiting Periods
