The process for females to obtain birth control in North Carolina just became a whole lot easier, thanks to a new law. That law, which went into effect Feb. 1, allows women to get birth control, prenatal vitamins and other critical medications at select pharmacies without a prescription—and save themselves a trip to the doctor’s office.
With this move, NC joins more than a dozen other states in easing the restrictions surrounding birth control—which “helps restore bodily autonomy and medical freedom at a time when reproductive health in the Southeast is under dire straits,” says Jennifer Driver, senior director of reproductive rights at the State Innovation Exchange.
Now, while an Rx is no longer required, you can’t just walk into a pharmacy and buy birth control like it’s ibuprofen. You’ll have to go through a screening process—and it is recommended that women still reach out to a health care provider or physician to get more information about birth control.
Moreover, the pharmacist also has to direct the patient to a primary care provider, and if the patient does not have one, the pharmacist must provide the patient with resources to get a PCP.
In addition to lowering NC’s unintended pregnancy rate—which is at 44%—the law should also help improve NC’s low health care rating while offering accessible health care for all North Carolinians, according to Democrat NC Sen. Sarah Crawford (District 18: Franklin, Wake), who helped shepherd the bill through the Republican legislature.
“I am really proud to have voted for this legislation that expands access to birth control, and I think it is a great opportunity to eliminate barriers for women getting the health care they need,” Crawford says.
NC opening up to laws regarding access to contraceptives goes hand-in-hand with Roe v. Wade and the state’s abortion law, which are forward on many people’s minds.
“The bill had a lot of bipartisan support, so when we think about potential attacks on Roe v. Wade, it will be important for state legislators to be proactive in protecting a woman’s right to access health care that is best for her,” adds Crawford. “Certainly I will be working to be proactive on anything that might be coming down from the federal government or Supreme Court that restricts a woman’s right to health care.”
WEB EXCLUSIVE These plants—inspired by Pantone’s color of the year—are simply iris-istible.
Spring is just around the corner. Dig into the feeling and the Pantone color of the year with these Veri Peri-inspired plants. Gorgeous periwinkle adds that perfect pop of (on-trend!) color to your garden so you can fling into spring with these six stem-tacular plants fit for any outdoor space.
This bee balm will add color and contrast to any florals you might already have growing. And—even better—the wild bergamot is edible! Use the leaves as a garnish in salads, or make tea out of them. And if you plant these bad boys by your house, you’ll get some fly new roommates: bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.
This flower loooooves attention. Growing taller than your average toddler and shining bright blue, these gorgeous flowers were once thought to cure syphilis… The more you know!
A garden without these pretty-in-peri flowers would be dis-aster-ous. And they bloom from love (literally, they have heart-shaped petals), so they’re experts in bringing a smile to your face—and beauty to your garden.
Keep your garden fruitful with this Very Peri berry that’ll make you anything but blue. Homegrown blueberries are easy to care for and delicious (blueberry smoothies, anyone?), and they make the perfect last-minute gift for family and friends.
Bring California dreamin’ to your own backyard with inspo from the beautiful bursts of color these showstopping florals produce—from pinks to blues and everything in between. The Hydrangea is sure to spruce up your yard and have your friends saying “you grow, girl!”
Roses are red, violets are blue (er, purple?)… Stemming from the tropical rainforests of Tanzania and Kenya, these houseplants are angels—they’re easy to take care of and double as decor to spice up any room.
WEB EXCLUSIVE Here’s where to belly up to the bar for a glass of vino in Raleigh for a wine-derful holiday.
It’s wine o’clock! National Drink Wine Day (Feb. 18) is giving us but another reason to raise a glass. Here, we scoop the ways to celebrate around Raleigh that’ll have you saying “yes way rosé!” Oh, and did we mention this grape holiday is on a Friday? So, working from nine to wine… Cheers!
Whether you know nothing about wine or you’re an oenophile, The Raleigh Wine Shop has you covered with wine classes and tastings—and if you’re a true wine connoisseur, there are cellar services offered and a wine club you can join. Nothing to wine about here.
Take flight at Raleigh Wine Bar with wine by the glass, bottle or flight. And great minds drink alike, so grab your crew and ring in the national holiday with allllll the bottles.
Grab your partners in wine and cozy up on a velvet couch inside or out on the covered patio with a bottle or two—plus several small bites options that pair perfectly with each sip.
The local authority on wine (it’s all in the name…), Wine Authorities offers pretty much any type of vino you’re after—plus a great selection of local snacks (Cheese! Chocolate! Crackers!) that are perfect for un-wine-ing after a long day.
Where there’s wine, there’s a way. With two ops to post up at with a glass or two of vino, Vita Vite is a no-brainer when it comes to celebrating National Drink Wine Day.
WEB EXCLUSIVE Whether you’re a football fan or you’re just here for the food and commercials, we’ve got you covered this Super Bowl Sunday—both on the town and for your house party.
No place to spend Super Bowl Sunday? Nacho problem! Make a game plan for the biggest game of the year with our roundup of Super Bowl parties, food and drink specials, takeout dinners, and more.
It is far from a pour decision to join Pourworks for its annual Super Bowl Chili Cook-Off. How can you say no to prizes, beer and chili? Um… we like big bowls and we cannot lie…
Want to watch the big game at home, but don’t want to cook? Bar Louie’s got your back. They’ll do the prep and cooking—all you have to do is order. Snack coverage includes wings, sliders, dips and more, and if you order by Feb. 11 using the code BIGGAME20, you’ll get 20% off platters. Score!
All bets are off. Nickelpoint Brewing’s interactive Super Bowl party asks guests the real tough questions—which song will Eminem play first? Who will score the first touchdown? … And prizes will be awarded to whoever guesses correctly. There will also be popcorn, pizza, BBQ and, of course, craft beers.
In queso you’re just watching the Super Bowl for the food, head to Hickory Tavern for a big buffer for the big game—think chicken tenders, french fries and build-your-own nachos. Whether or not you go home happy about the final score, you’ll definitely leave hungry.
Housemade chili, $3 beer and football—it doesn’t get better than that. Scooter’s will have the Super Bowl on every TV, while specials like $3 Bud Light, Miller Lite, and Coors Light bottles will keep you hydrated during the game.
Save yourself a trip to the gro (odds are they’re out of wings already anyway) and preorder your game-time dinner from Trophy Brewing & Pizza. Meatballs, pulled pork, bruschetta and more are sure to put the super in Super Bowl.
Cue the cricket chirps… Morrisville is upgrading its Church Street Park cricket venue—recognized as one of the best venues for cricket in the U.S.—into an international-quality facility.
Thanks to a multimillion-dollar public-private partnership between the Major Cricket League (MLC) and the Town of Morrisville, the investment will see an addition of more than 2,000 permanent seats—bringing the capacity up to over 3,500. Additional upgrades include a state-of-the-art broadcast infrastructure, additional parking, and LED-illuminated natural and artificial turf practice pitches and nets.
OK before you hate and start asking if this is 16th century England… cricket is pretty relevant in the Triangle. While not the most popular sport in NC, Praveen Chakaraj, co-owner of the Morrisville Cardinals cricket team, says the Cards have “one of the largest and most passionate fan bases in Minor League Cricket” (not shocking—do us proud, NC!)… and the new facility is sure to get even more cricket fans on the bandwagon. “The enhanced playing and training facilities will also support our work to develop young players to a professional level and compete for USA National Team places,” adds Chakaraj.
Additionally, the new facility—which is expected to be complete by spring 2023—will allow Church Street park to host world-class MLC matches and serve as a flagship facility for USA Cricket’s National Team games and training—as well as play host to games at the 2024 T20 Men’s World Cup, which anticipates bringing thousands of fans to the region. And we know you kids get a kick outta soccer.
On behalf of the Triangle Cricket League, President Babar Baig adds, “We are delighted that Church Street Park will receive these significant updates to enhance the venue and provide even greater facilities for the passionate cricket community around Morrisville. We’re so excited to see the improvements in place and future generations of local cricketers both play there and be inspired by watching world-class cricket regularly at Church Street Park.” Batter up!
