RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - North Carolina's governor says he'll sign a bill that would make the state one of several with a 72-hour waiting period for abortions.
The state House gave final approval to the bill Wednesday, sending it to Republican Gov. Pat McCrory's desk.
McCrory issued a statement several hours later saying that he's pleased with how the bill developed in the legislature over the past few days.
The bill, called the Women and Children's Protection Act of 2015, adds other rules for doctors and clinics that perform abortions and includes several unrelated criminal justice measures.
"Regarding HB 465, some very positive progress was made during the last several days to protect women's health. Working with House and Senate members, we ensured that contact, including a simple phone call, would start a reasonable process that protects women's health, and we also more clearly and rationally defined medical training and qualifications to ensure there will be no further restrictions on access. In addition, there are other provisions that protect children in the bill, something my administration sought," McCrory said.
His decision frustrated pro-choice supporters.
"It's simple: Gov. McCrory must either veto HB465 or break his campaign promise again," said Gerrick Brenner, Executive Director of Progress NC Action. "When Gov. McCrory promised in his 2012 campaign that he would not sign further restrictions on abortion into law, women across North Carolina believed him."
Three other states have 72-hour waiting periods: Missouri, South Dakota and Utah. Oklahoma's waiting period of that length goes into effect in November.
Since Republicans took over North Carolina's legislature in 2011, the state has passed several laws aimed at limiting abortions.
