RALEIGH (AP) — A bill requiring North Carolina educators to teach that abortions are linked to later premature births is headed to a state House committee.
The bill is scheduled for a hearing Tuesday. It already passed the Senate in an amended form last month 38-10.
The measure requires students in grades seven and higher to learn about the risk factors associated with premature birth. It originally included only abortion but was amended to include other factors such as smoking.
Supporters and opponents dispute the scientific basis for linking abortion to premature birth. Supporters point to a state study compiling more than 125 publications in support of a connection. Opponents note many major health organizations dispute that conclusion. They’ve argued the bill was politically motivated.