North Carolina Budget Allocated Millions to Pregnancy Centers

The state budget provides $10.7 million to crisis pregnancy centers, though these facilities remain outside state regulatory oversight.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Pregnancy

Bold flat-color illustration depicting a simplified geometric silhouette of the North Carolina state capitol dome, representing state funding policy. — North Carolina's finalized state budget allocates $10.7 million in grants to crisis pregnancy centers, a decision made without state medical oversight. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should taxpayer money fund health centers that are not subject to state regulatory oversight?

In July 2026, North Carolina finalized a state budget that directed $10.7 million toward approximately 100 crisis pregnancy centers operating across the state. This funding package includes $6 million for the LifeLink Carolina fellowship and nearly $3.3 million for the Human Coalition's Continuum of Care Program.

Why it matters

While legislative leaders argue the funding provides essential support for women, critics note that these centers are not licensed medical clinics and lack standard state-mandated supervision. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services did not request or recommend these appropriations.

The budget allocates $6 million in recurring funds to the LifeLink Carolina fellowship and $3.3 million to the Human Coalition. Funding has grown significantly from the $300,000 allocated in fiscal 2016 to reach a high of $12 million in fiscal 2024.

The players

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

The state agency responsible for health and human services that currently holds no regulatory oversight authority over crisis pregnancy centers.

LifeLink Carolina

A fellowship organization that receives recurring state funding to distribute as grants to pregnancy centers throughout North Carolina.

Human Coalition

A national organization receiving $3.3 million in state funds for its Continuum of Care Program.

Julie von Haefen

A state representative who introduced legislation seeking to mandate reporting requirements for state-funded pregnancy centers.

The details

LifeLink Carolina acts as a primary distribution arm, awarding state funding as grants to local centers across the state. Although the fellowship is required to report on its funding allocations to the state every two years, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services maintains no direct oversight of the centers themselves. A legislative effort, House Bill 1120, which aimed to require stricter reporting from state-funded centers, failed to advance in committee.

Fiscal 2016: The state initially allocated $300,000 to crisis pregnancy centers.
Fiscal 2024: State funding peaked at over $12 million.
April 2026: Representative Julie von Haefen filed House Bill 1120.
July 2026: North Carolina passed the state budget.
July 1, 2027: The fellowship must submit its next funding report.

The Home Front

The current state budget marks a continued shift in public spending toward non-clinical pregnancy support organizations. This funding trajectory reflects a broader legislative pattern of prioritizing these centers despite their lack of traditional state medical licensing.

Families seeking prenatal or support services should research whether a local center is a licensed medical facility before scheduling appointments. Verify service offerings directly through the provider to confirm they meet your specific health care needs.

The takeaway

When evaluating support services, families should clarify the medical credentials of any local organization. You can confirm the status of local facilities by contacting the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services or checking the facility website for formal medical disclosures.