Starting October 1, some women will have a harder time getting an abortion. That's because most parts of a controversial abortion bill take effect.
The abortion law passed this summer means that city and county employees will now have to pay for an abortion out-of-pocket because their insurance plans will no longer cover them.
And other government insurance plans, like the health insurance exchange options offered through the Affordable Care Act, also can't cover abortions.
The only exceptions are in cases of rape, incest or if the mother's life is in danger.
The new law also requires the state's clinics that provide abortion services to upgrade to major surgical centers. But that portion of the law doesn't take effect for a while. The state Department of Health and Human Services is still developing the rules to implement that section of the law.
There are 16 clinics that offer abortion services in North Carolina – three of them are located in Charlotte.
