Understanding North Carolina Abortion Law in 2025

If you are considering abortion in North Carolina, knowing the current laws can help you understand your options and legal requirements. Here's an overview of North Carolina's 2025 abortion laws. We encourage you to reach out to the team at Pregnancy Support Services with any questions, as we can serve as a resource to help you make a fully informed decision.

When Is It Lawful to Have an Abortion in North Carolina?

Under North Carolina law, an abortion can be legally performed under the following circumstances:

• During the first 12 weeks of pregnancy for any reason.

• During the first 20 weeks of pregnancy due to rape or incest.

• During the first 24 weeks of pregnancy due to a life-limiting condition of the embryo/fetus.

• During the entirety of pregnancy for a medical emergency.

When Is It Unlawful to Have an Abortion in North Carolina?

Abortions cannot be legally performed in the following situations:

• For preborn children with Down Syndrome.

• For preborn children for sex selection (to abort based on the sex)

• Partial-birth abortions (intact dilation and evacuation)

What About Medication Abortions?

Medication abortions, often using the drug mifepristone, are subject to specific laws in North Carolina. 

Some significant legal aspects are:

• The requirement for in-person consultation 72 hours before taking the drug for patient informed consent to occur.

• Requirement for an ultrasound.

• Requirement for in person exam.

• Requirement for blood typing.

• Requirement for non-fatal and fatal complications to be reported to the state of North Carolina by health care providers.

What About Parental Consent?

Consent for minors to have an abortion in North Carolina is required by law or judicial bypass, but consent is not needed for a diagnosis of pregnancy and counseling on options.

How Can Pregnancy Support Services Help?

At Pregnancy Support Services, we provide compassionate care and a supportive environment to help you make an informed decision.

We offer free pregnancy testing, ultrasound services, and discussing options with licensed medical professionals and trained Client Advocates who will walk with you through every step of this journey. You don’t have to face these decisions alone.

If you have questions about abortion laws or need someone to talk to, contact Pregnancy Support Services today. We’re here for you.