NC S588

Establishes that state laws or regulations burdening abortion access are unenforceable if they do not confer legitimate health benefits, based on the U.S. Supreme Court's Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt decision.

Removes the 20-week gestational age restriction on abortion and eliminates requirements for physicians to record gestational age measurements and ultrasound images for abortions after 16 weeks.

Allows any health care provider operating within their scope of practice to perform abortions, rather than limiting the procedure to qualified physicians in hospitals or certified clinics.

Defines "burden on access" to include forcing providers to cease operations, increasing wait times or travel distances, requiring unnecessary clinic visits, increasing costs, or serving to stigmatize patients and providers.

Repeals Articles 1I and 1K of Chapter 90 of the General Statutes and becomes effective October 1, 2017.