How can you tell when you hear or see propaganda instead of reasoned debate or analysis on the subject of abortion?

If a reporter or politician refers to North Carolina’s 2023 Abortion Law as a “ban,” it is propaganda. “Ban” rhymes with “Taliban” and means a total prohibition. I have never seen a “ban.” An exception for the life of the mother is implied in law even when not expressed. Most statutes include other exceptions or definitions that operate as exceptions. North Carolina’s 2023 legislation has seven (7) specific exceptions. Yet it has been called a “ban.”

Only 1/10 of 1% of abortions are committed because of a threat to a mother’s life or because of the risk of serious physical health problem. Such abortions are not and will not be any kind of offense.

There are seven (7) exceptions in North Carolina law which collectively allow for almost 95% of all abortions.

1. Abortions prior to 12 weeks gestation are not prohibited. About 90% of all abortions are performed at or prior to 12 weeks.
2. Abortions to save the life of the mother have never been prohibited.
3. Abortions to preserve her physical health from serious harm are not prohibited.
4. Abortions of the unborn child caused by rape are not prohibited through 20 weeks gestation.
5. Abortions of the unborn child caused by incest are not prohibited through 20 weeks gestation.
6. Through 24 weeks of gestation abortions are permitted in case of “life limiting” anomalies of the child.
7. Removal of an ectopic pregnancy is not prohibited.

The writer, Paul Stam, served 16 years in the NC House, the last 10 as Republican Leader and Speaker Pro Tem. He can be reached at paulstam@stamlawfirm.com.