§ 90-21.88.  Civil remedies.

(a) Any person upon whom an abortion has been performed, her personal representative in the event of a wrongful death action in accordance with G.S. 28A-18-1, and any father of an unborn child that was the subject of an abortion may maintain an action for damages against the person who performed the abortion in knowing or reckless violation of this Article. Any person upon whom an abortion has been attempted may maintain an action for damages against the person who performed the abortion in willful violation of this Article.

(a1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, (i) a woman upon whom the abortion has been attempted, induced, or performed or (ii) her parent or guardian, if she is a minor at the time of the attempted or completed abortion, may bring an action under this section within three years from the date of the alleged violation or from the date of the initial discovery of harm from an alleged violation. If at the time of the alleged violation the woman is a minor, then the minor shall have three years from the date the minor attains the age of majority to bring an action under this section.

(b) Injunctive relief against any person who has willfully violated this Article may be sought by and granted to (i) the woman upon whom an abortion was performed or attempted to be performed in violation of this Article, (ii) any person who is the spouse, parent, sibling, or guardian of, or a current or former licensed health care provider of, the woman upon whom an abortion has been performed or attempted to be performed in violation of this Article, or (iii) the Attorney General. The injunction shall prevent the abortion provider from performing or inducing further abortions in this State in violation of this Article.

(c) If judgment is rendered in favor of the plaintiff in any action authorized under this section, the court shall also tax as part of the costs reasonable attorneys' fees in favor of the plaintiff against the defendant. If judgment is rendered in favor of the defendant and the court finds that the plaintiff's suit was frivolous or brought in bad faith, then the court shall tax as part of the costs reasonable attorneys' fees in favor of the defendant against the plaintiff. (2011-405, s. 1; 2023-14, s. 1.2.)