HB 1232

Subject to approval by a majority of voters during the 2026 general election, adds new Section 39 to Article I of the North Carolina Constitution as follows. Specifies that human life begins at fertilization. Recognizes a new human life as an individual person, entitled to the protection of the laws of this State from the moment of fertilization until the moment of natural death. Holds persons willfully seeking to destroy the life of another, at any stage of life, or who succeeds in doing so, accountable for first-degree murder, or attempted murder. Specifies that any person has the right to defend the life of themselves or another, even by use of deadly force if necessary, from willful destruction by another person. Specifies that the State has an interest and a duty to defend innocent persons from willful destruction of their lives and to punish those who take the lives of persons, born or unborn, who have not committed any crime punishable by death. If approved, effective January 1, 2027.