Today, a year after North Carolina Republicans overrode Governor Roy Cooper’s veto of their extreme abortion ban, DNC spokesperson Jackie Bush released the following statement:

“Today, North Carolina women remember the terror of witnessing their MAGA state representatives override Democrats’ efforts to preserve their reproductive rights — and know exactly who to blame. Donald Trump overturned Roe and bears responsibility for abortion bans now cutting off vital health care access in North Carolina and across the South as doctors flee the region. Women in North Carolina have spent this last year with fewer freedoms thanks to Trump and his extreme MAGA minions. Come Election Day, North Carolina women will teach these extremists that there are consequences for attacking their health care and fundamental rights when they reject MAGA extremism and reelect President Biden and Democrats up and down the ballot.”

North Carolina’s extreme abortion ban created new hurdles for women seeking care.

North Carolina Health News: “Access to abortion fraught with more logistical challenges as patients confront increased restrictions”

“The new state law limits most abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy and requires two in-person appointments for anyone seeking an abortion. This means many patients need to drive long distances — now twice — to reach one of the state’s 14 abortion clinics spread over nine counties. Others must journey out of state for care later in pregnancy. It necessitates extra time off work, travel, hotel stays and child care costs.

“‘That’s really, really stressful, especially for folks who are low income or who are already working to make ends meet,’ Rippy said.”

Doctors have fled North Carolina — in which 21 of 100 counties qualify as maternity deserts — because of the extreme ban.

Raleigh News & Observer: “New Abortion Law Drives Out NC’s Scarce Supply Of OB-GYNs & Primary Care Doctors”

“But in North Carolina — where almost a quarter of counties lack a single OB-GYN and more than 90% of counties are considered ‘primary care shortage areas’ — losing a handful of doctors would have major consequences for the patients they leave behind.”

ABC News: “In interviews with ABC News, physicians in Texas, North Carolina, Ohio and Florida said they decided to leave their states due, at least largely, to the impact abortion bans have had on their ability to practice medicine and provide the best care possible for patients.”

ABC News: “Dr. Nicole Teal, a maternal fetal medicine specialist, had just finished her training in North Carolina, when she was offered a good position in the state that would have allowed her to stay closer to family.

“But there was one problem: North Carolina’s 12-week abortion ban set to go into effect on July 1.

“She has chosen to move to California.”

North Carolina’s extreme abortion restrictions opened the door for fake abortion clinics to prey on desperate women.

NPR: “’My mom came with me. We drove four hours to Charlotte,’ she said. ’The moment I stepped foot in that place, I felt uncomfortable.’”

“‘It turns out this place was a fake abortion clinic, an anti-abortion clinic,’ said Shelton.

“Ringer said crisis pregnancy centers are popping up across

the southeast, appearing on searches for abortion services but then offering only anti-abortion information when women arrive.”

Thanks to Trump, every state in the South has enacted an extreme abortion ban aside from Virginia — where voters rejected the MAGA GOP after they campaigned on one. Trump proudly takes credit for all abortion bans.

Rolling Stone: “Trump Claims Credit for All Abortion Bans”

Alabama: “Abortions became almost entirely illegal in Alabama on June 24. A 2019 state abortion ban took effect making it a felony to perform an abortion at any stage of pregnancy, with no exceptions for pregnancies caused by rape or incest.”

Arkansas: “Arkansas bans nearly all abortions after Roe v. Wade overturned”

Florida: “Florida’s 6-week abortion ban could displace thousands each month in a region where access is already severely limited”

Georgia: “Georgia abortion ban remains in effect after state Supreme Court ruling”

Kentucky: “Abortion is banned in almost all circumstances.”

Louisiana: “Louisiana abortion ban preserved after lawmakers kill bill to call public vote”

Mississippi: “How abortion ban has impacted Mississippi one year after Roe v. Wade was overturned”

North Carolina: “Legislation banning most abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy will become law in North Carolina after the state’s Republican-controlled General Assembly successfully overrode the Democratic governor’s veto.”

Oklahoma: “Abortion is banned in almost all circumstances.” 

South Carolina: “South Carolina’s new all-male highest court reverses course on abortion, upholding strict 6-week ban”

Tennessee: “Amid uncertainty and anger, Tennessee’s abortion ban takes effect”

Texas: “Teen pregnancies on the rise for the first time in 15 years after Texas bans abortion, study shows.”