"Key Players and Developments in NC's Abortion Lawsuit Revealed"

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein, a Democrat, has stated in a court filing that he will not defend the state in a lawsuit over new abortion restrictions, agreeing with the reproductive care provider Planned Parenthood that the law is unconstitutional. Stein argues that the law is vague, contradictory, and violates constitutional guarantees of due process and the First Amendment. The law, passed by the Republican-controlled legislature, would ban many abortions after 12 weeks. Stein's decision has drawn criticism from Republicans who accuse him of making a politically motivated choice. A court hearing is scheduled to determine whether the law should be temporarily blocked while the lawsuit proceeds.