§ 90-21.123. Protection of privacy in court proceedings.

223 words·~1 min read·/nc/chapter-90/90-21-123

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

In every proceeding or action brought under this Article, the court shall rule whether the anonymity of any woman upon whom an abortion has been performed or attempted shall be preserved from public disclosure if the woman does not give her consent to the disclosure. The court, upon motion or sua sponte, shall make the ruling and, upon determining that the woman's anonymity should be preserved, shall issue orders to the parties, witnesses, and counsel and shall direct the sealing of the record and exclusion of individuals from courtrooms or hearing rooms to the extent necessary to safeguard the woman's identity from public disclosure.

Each order issued pursuant to this section shall be accompanied by specific written findings explaining

(i)why the anonymity of the woman should be preserved from public disclosure,

(ii)why the order is essential to that end,

(iii)how the order is narrowly tailored to serve that interest, and

(iv)why no reasonable, less restrictive alternative exists. In the absence of written consent of the woman upon whom an abortion has been performed or attempted, anyone who brings an action under G.S. 90-21.122 shall do so under a pseudonym. This section may not be construed to conceal the identity of the plaintiff or of witnesses from the defendant. (2013-366, s. 3(a).)