Proposed NC bill would ban virtually all abortions — with one exception

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A new bill introduced in the North Carolina General Assembly would prohibit abortion from the moment of conception, with an exception only to save the mother’s life.

House Bill 804, titled “The Human Life Protection Act of 2025,” would replace North Carolina’s current abortion law, which allows the procedure through 12 weeks of pregnancy with some exceptions for later abortions in cases of rape, incest, fetal anomalies or medical emergencies. House Bill 804 does not provide exceptions in cases of rape or incest. 

If passed, the bill would rank among the most restrictive abortion bans in the nation. 

RELATED: NC becomes ‘critical access state’ for abortion following Dobbs decision

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Keith Kidwell, defines abortion as “the act of using or prescribing an instrument, a drug, a medicine, or any other substance, device or means with the intent to cause the death of an unborn child of a woman known to be pregnant.”

Birth control devices and oral contraceptives would not be classified as abortion under the bill’s definition. It also specifically excludes treatments to remove ectopic pregnancies or miscarriages from being considered abortions.

The legislation includes strict penalties for health care providers who violate the ban:

• A Class B1 felony if the procedure results in the death of “an unborn child”
• A Class B2 felony for other violations
• Civil penalties of at least $100,000 per violation
• Revocation of medical licenses for healthcare professionals

If enacted, the legislation would potentially carry penalties of up to life in prison and open the door for medical professionals involved in abortions to lose their licenses. 

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