North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein issued an executive order on Thursday aimed at protecting access to services and data related to abortion services in the state.
In a statement, the newly elected governor said he had instructed cabinet agencies to protect women and health care providers from what he called “extreme anti-reproductive freedom laws” across the state.
“Our state has seen alarming attacks on women’s reproductive rights over the past few years, and I remain committed to doing everything in my power to protect women’s freedoms and their privacy,” Stein said.
The order directs cabinet agencies not to provide assistance, information, or resources for investigations or proceedings seeking to impose civil or criminal liability on health care providers or individuals involved in lawful abortion-related services within the state. This includes withholding patient records, billing information, or other data unless mandated by a court order….