A new analysis found that there were 4,230 abortions provided in North Carolina in June, and only 2,920 in July—a decrease of more than 30%—after Republicans’ 12-week abortion ban went into effect.
Although these pharmacies dispensing the drug marks a victory for reproductive freedom, a looming Supreme Court case could cut off access to the medication in states where abortion is still legal.
Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson has called abortion “murder,” compared the procedure to slavery, and said that he would support a total abortion ban in North Carolina, without any exceptions.
Opill is the first ever birth control pill to be approved for over-the-counter sales. The medication will likely become available at stores and online retailers in the U.S. in early 2024.
Women have suffered through ectopic pregnancies, miscarriages, fetal anomalies, and other complications, but have found it difficult to get the care they need due to restrictive abortion bans.
The bill also makes it more difficult to access care, and implements hugely restrictive regulations on abortion clinics, which could force many of them to close their doors.