NC's New Abortion Law in the Spotlight - North Carolina NPR News

NC's New Abortion Law in the Spotlight

October 2, 2011 | Kathryn Mobley

On the afternoon of Sunday, October 2, hundreds of Triad residents stood side by side to oppose abortion. They participated in Life Chain, a national event uniting pro-life supporters in more than 1,500 cities across the United States and Canada. In their respected communities, during a designated hour, participants hold signs and stand in silent prayer. Supporters say their mission is to show public support of pregnant mothers and of their unborn children in an effort to dissuade women from getting abortions.

Greensboro resident Patty Disney says this is the 24th year for the Life Chain event. She's been involved for more than 19 years. According to Disney, about 33 youth and church groups gathered in various locations from 2:30pm to 3:30pm on October 2. In Greensboro, residents met on Battleground near the TJ Maxx store, and in Winston-Salem, Life Chain supporters gathered on Hanes Mall Blvd.

Meanwhile, the ACLU is filing a lawsuit to overturn North Carolina's new abortion law. The law requires a woman planning to have an abortion to get an ultrasound and for a physician to show her the image. It also requires a physician or a nurse to tell the woman about the fetus's likely stage of development, potential medical risks of an abortion, and alternatives to the procedure. The law goes into effect October 26th.

North Carolina's two Planned Parenthood affiliates and some physicians are also joing the ACLU in this lawsuit. They believe this law turns doctors into mouthpieces for politicians and violates the free speech of women.