The 2026 legislative session has concluded, and thanks to the advocacy of our members and the leadership of key legislative champions, the North Carolina Obstetrical & Gynecological Society (NCOGS) and ACOG North Carolina enjoyed one of our most successful sessions in recent years.
The session began with a tremendous display of physician engagement during our annual NCOGS/ACOG NC Lobby Day, where a strong contingent of OB-GYNS, residents, students, and practice staff from across North Carolina met with legislators to discuss maternal health, Medicaid, physician workforce issues, and other Society priorities. The participation and enthusiasm of our members reinforced the importance of physicians having a direct voice in the policymaking process.
This year’s Lobby Day also coincided with the Society’s inaugural OB-GYN Fellowship Week, a new leadership development initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of physician advocates. Two early-career OB/Gyns, Vanessa Swantic, MD and Lillian Dubiel, MD, spent the week in Raleigh receiving an intensive introduction to the politics, policy, and personalities that shape health care in North Carolina. We look forward to expanding this exciting program in 2027.
The newly enacted state budget includes several significant priorities supported by the Society and ACOG North Carolina.
Most notably, the General Assembly appropriated $2.6 million for North Carolina’s Perinatal Substance Use Disorder Network, including $800,000 each for Tides in New Hanover County and Project CARA at MAHEC, along with $1 million for the SUN Project. These investments will strengthen access to care for pregnant and postpartum women affected by substance use disorders while allowing each program to tailor services to the needs of its community.
The legislature also fully funded North Carolina’s Medicaid program, avoiding the funding uncertainty that threatened patient access and provider stability last year.
In addition, funding was restored for the North Carolina Perinatal Quality Collaborative (PQCNC), allowing this important statewide quality improvement initiative to resume its work.
While the budget does not yet include funding to implement Maternal Levels of Care and update Infant Levels of Care – a key NCOGS/ACOG NC priority – the new budget directs the NC Department of Health and Human Services to prepare a plan for addressing levels of care for General Assembly by April 1, 2027. This marks the first time the legislature has formally directed DHHS to move the initiative forward, positioning the issue for consideration during next year’s budget process.
Not every important issue was resolved this year. Legislation that would have substantially modified North Carolina’s longstanding minor consent statute generated significant debate throughout the session. We are especially grateful to Senators Benton Sawrey (R–Johnston) and Amy Galey (R–Alamance) for their thoughtful leadership and steadfast efforts to preserve the existing law while working with stakeholders on this and other important women’s health issues.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to Representatives Tim Reeder, MD (R–Pitt), and Grant Campbell, MD (R–Cabarrus) for their leadership on Medicaid funding, prior authorization reform, and the Society’s budget priorities. Their advocacy was instrumental in securing important victories for patients and physicians alike.
Finally, thank you to every Society member who participated in Lobby Day, responded to legislative action alerts, testified before committees, or otherwise shared your expertise during the session. Your relationships with policymakers and your credibility as practicing physicians remain our most effective advocacy tools.
Although the General Assembly has adjourned, our advocacy work continues. Planning is already underway for the 2027 legislative session, when we will continue pursuing implementation of Maternal Levels of Care, protecting patient access to care, strengthening the physician workforce, and advancing policies that improve the health of women and families across North Carolina.
Mark your calendars now for our March 10, 2027 Lobby Day.
Thank you for your continued engagement and support of the NCOGS and ACOG North Carolina. Together, we continue to make a meaningful difference for our profession and the patients we serve.