A bill that would extend the abortion waiting period to 72 hours in North Carolina has moved closer to passage with a favorable vote on the Senate floor.
After a lengthy debate, the full Senate gave tentative approval to the bill on Thursday. A final Senate vote could come next week.
A version of the bill has already passed the state House, but that chamber would need to approve provisions added by Senate Republicans that include several criminal justice measures.
Under the waiting-period provision, women would have to talk to a doctor or other qualified professional 72 hours before having an abortion, unless there’s a medical emergency. Several other states have 72-hour waiting periods.
The bill would also require a specialist in obstetrics or gynecology to perform the procedure.
