Editor’s note: This is Part 1 of a four-part series.

Earlier this year, state legislators passed laws that could potentially diminish abortion access.

The regulations could force 15 of the state’s 16 abortion clinics to close due to forced expenses. Guidelines are expected to be given by the N.C. Department of Health by January.

MSNBC’s Melissa Harris-Perry was the keynote speaker at the 30-year celebration of Greensboro’s Planned Parenthood clinic last Thursday.

During her address to the attendants of the event, Harris-Perry shared her personal story of how planned parenthood and reproductive technology played a part in her personal life.

“Because I had a private doctor and had good insurance, I was able to get an abortion without anyone knowing besides the fact that I shared it with them. But I realize that many women don’t get that chance.”

An alumna of both Wake Forest and Duke University, Harris-Perry praised the Moral Monday protests at the legislature as one of the only legitimate social movements in America today.

Gail Hoffman-Hornsby, the clinic’s first executive director reflected on the  opening. “There were questions.  There were arguments. But people were very understanding once they learned the numbers of people getting care.”

The organization hopes to raise $5 million in order to make the necessary upgrades to continue to operate its two health clinics that offer abortion services in Winston-Salem and Wilmington. The Chapel Hill and Fayetteville Planned Parenthood clinics also provide abortion services but are managed by a different group.

 “We understand that we will have to fully comply with the ambulatory surgical centers just as we have in Virginia and South Carolina,” said Melissa Reed, a spokeswoman for Planned Parenthood Health Systems.  “Make no mistake, we will comply. Planned Parenthood will be here no matter what.”

Recent North Carolina legislation makes it difficult for women to receive proper health care.

“The first activism work that I did was in Durham, North Carolina where I served as an escort for a young woman to go and receive the procedure. It was then that I realized the extremity of the situation.”

Planned Parenthood Federation of America currently provides comprehensive reproductive and complementary health care services as well as human sexuality educational programs. The organization also advocates public policies and promotes research in reproductive health care.

Hoffman-Hornsby, who no longer resides in North Carolina, says that she still remains informed on the state’s political status.

“Planned Parenthood is a part of my spirit and my soul,” she said. “I have seen the results, from education, to birth control, to honoring a woman’s choice.”

—Email Laci at [email protected] and follow The Register on Twitter @TheATRegister

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