North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory (R) signed a restrictive anti-abortion bill into law, CNN reported on Monday.


The bill first passed the state's Senate and then its House of Representatives earlier this month.


According to a July Huffington Post report, the legislation will eliminate abortion coverage for public employees and individuals who have insurance through federal health care law's public exchanges. It also will ban sex-selective abortions and impose additional regulations on abortion clinics.


During an October 2012 gubernatorial campaign debate, McCrory said he wouldn't sign any additional restrictions on abortion into law.


More from the Associated Press:


Critics say the move represents a shift by the first-year Republican executive, who pledged as a candidate last fall that he wouldn't approve any new abortion restrictions if elected.

McCrory, however, said he wasn't limiting access to the procedure, but rather was signing a measure that "will result in safer conditions for North Carolina women."


The measure was passed by the Republican-majority legislature in the session's waning days. Critics say the move will lead to the closure of most of North Carolina's 16 abortion clinics because only one now meets the standards of an outpatient surgical center.


Abortion rights supporters demonstrated outside the governor's executive mansion in a last-ditch effort to get him to veto the legislation.




Also on HuffPost:




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  • Hundreds of demonstrators organize on Halifax Mall in Raleigh, N.C. prior to an act of civil disobedience opposing the Republican legislature's agenda Monday, June 10, 2013, at the North Carolina State Legislative Building. More than 350 people have been arrested since "Moral Monday" demonstrations started on April 29. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and a growing number of left-leaning groups are lashing out at a host of GOP policies ranging from education to voting rights. (AP Photo/The News & Observer, Travis Long)




  • One of dozens of demonstrators is arrested during an act of civil disobedience opposing the Republican legislature's agenda Monday, June 10, 2013, at the North Carolina State Legislative Building in Raleigh, N.C. More than 350 people have been arrested since "Moral Monday" demonstrations started on April 29. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and a growing number of left-leaning groups are lashing out at a host of GOP policies ranging from education to voting rights. (AP Photo/The News & Observer, Travis Long)




  • A member of the clergy is among dozens of demonstrators arrested during an act of civil disobedience opposing the Republican legislature's agenda Monday, June 10, 2013, at the North Carolina State Legislative Building in Raleigh, N.C. More than 350 people have been arrested since "Moral Monday" demonstrations started on April 29. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and a growing number of left-leaning groups are lashing out at a host of GOP policies ranging from education to voting rights. (AP Photo/The News & Observer, Travis Long)




  • Dozens of demonstrators line up to enter the North Carolina State Legislative Building were they were arrested during an act of civil disobedience opposing the Republican legislature's agenda Monday, June 10, 2013. More than 350 people have been arrested since "Moral Monday" demonstrations started on April 29. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and a growing number of left-leaning groups are lashing out at a host of GOP policies ranging from education to voting rights. (AP Photo/The News & Observer, Travis Long)




  • Rev. William Barber, president of the N.C. chapter of The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People addresses supporters at Halifax Mall outside the state legislature in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, June 17, 2013. Supporters of what the group calls "Moral Mondays" are outraged over GOP policies that they say restrict voting access, undermine public education and hurt the poor and jobless. More than 80 people are facing criminal charges after the seventh week of protests led by the North Carolina chapter of the NAACP. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)




  • Protestors and supporters gather around the balcony overlooking the House and Senate floors during a demonstration at the state legislature in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, June 17, 2013. Supporters of what the group calls "Moral Mondays" are outraged over GOP policies that they say restrict voting access, undermine public education and hurt the poor and jobless. More than 80 people are facing criminal charges after the seventh week of protests led by the North Carolina chapter of the NAACP. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)




  • Demonstrators gather at Halifax Mall near the state legislature in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, June 17, 2013. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and supporters of what the group calls "Moral Mondays" are outraged over GOP policies that they say restrict voting access, undermine public education and hurt the poor and jobless. More than 80 people are facing criminal charges after the seventh week of protests led by the North Carolina chapter of the NAACP. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)




  • Protestors are arrested outside the Senate chamber at the state legislature in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, June 17, 2013. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and supporters of what the group calls "Moral Mondays" are outraged over GOP policies that they say restrict voting access, undermine public education and hurt the poor and jobless. More than 80 people are facing criminal charges after the seventh week of protests led by the North Carolina chapter of the NAACP. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)




  • Rev. William Barber, president of the N.C. chapter of the The National Association for the Advancement of Colored speaks to supporters at the state legislature in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, June 17, 2013. Supporters of what the group calls "Moral Mondays" are outraged over GOP policies that they say restrict voting access, undermine public education and hurt the poor and jobless. More than 80 people are facing criminal charges after the seventh week of protests led by the North Carolina chapter of the NAACP. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)




  • Demonstrators hold hands during a gathering at Halifax Mall near the state legislature in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, June 17, 2013. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and supporters of what the group calls "Moral Mondays" are outraged over GOP policies that they say restrict voting access, undermine public education and hurt the poor and jobless. More than 80 people are facing criminal charges after the seventh week of protests led by the North Carolina chapter of the NAACP. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)




  • A woman is arrested outside the House and Senate chambers during "Moral Monday" protests at the General Assembly in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, June 24, 2013. Protesters are angry over the rightward direction of the state on economic, social, education and voting policy. They focused much of their demonstration on looming unemployment benefits cuts that will end extended benefits for about 70,000 people at the end of June. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)




  • A woman is arrested outside the House and Senate chambers during "Moral Monday" protests at the General Assembly in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, June 24, 2013. Protesters are angry over the rightward direction of the state on economic, social, education and voting policy. They focused much of their demonstration on looming unemployment benefits cuts that will end extended benefits for about 70,000 people at the end of June. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)




  • People gather along a balcony overlooking the House and Senate chambers as demonstrators and NAACP-led supporters protest outside the House and Senate chambers during "Moral Monday" protests at the General Assembly in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, June 24, 2013. Protesters are angry over the rightward direction of the state on economic, social, education and voting policy. They focused much of their demonstration on looming unemployment benefits cuts that will end extended benefits for about 70,000 people at the end of June. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)




  • A North Carolina state flag flies at Halifax Mall outside the state legislature during "Moral Monday" protests at the General Assembly in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, June 24, 2013. Protesters showing up in growing numbers are angry about the rightward tilt of the state since Republicans gained control of the state legislature and the governor's mansion, the first time they've held both branches of government at the same time since 1870. About 450 protestors have been arrested in seven weeks of NAACP-led demonstrations. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)




  • Rev. William Barber, President of the N.C. chapter of the NAACP speaks outside the House and Senate chambers during "Moral Monday" protests at the General Assembly in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, June 24, 2013. Protesters are angry over the rightward direction of the state on economic, social, education and voting policy. They focused much of their demonstration on looming unemployment benefits cuts that will end extended benefits for about 70,000 people at the end of June. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)




  • Protestors and demonstrators rally at Halifax Mall outside the state legislature during "Moral Monday" protests at the General Assembly in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, June 24, 2013. Protesters are angry over the rightward direction of the state on economic, social, education and voting policy. They focused much of their demonstration on looming unemployment benefits cuts that will end extended benefits for about 70,000 people at the end of June. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)




  • A police officer watches over demonstrators and NAACP-led supporters as they congregate at Halifax Mall near the state legislature during "Moral Monday" protests at the General Assembly in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, June 24, 2013. Protesters are angry over the rightward direction of the state on economic, social, education and voting policy. They focused much of their demonstration on looming unemployment benefits cuts that will end extended benefits for about 70,000 people at the end of June. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)




  • David Price


    U.S. Rep. David Price, D-N.C., greets people at Halifax Mall during "Moral Monday" protests at the General Assembly in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, June 24, 2013. Protesters are angry over the rightward direction of the state on economic, social, education and voting policy. They focused much of their demonstration on looming unemployment benefits cuts that will end extended benefits for about 70,000 people at the end of June. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)




  • A man is arrested outside the House and Senate chambers during "Moral Monday" protests at the General Assembly in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, June 24, 2013. Protesters are angry over the rightward direction of the state on economic, social, education and voting policy. They focused much of their demonstration on looming unemployment benefits cuts that will end extended benefits for about 70,000 people at the end of June. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)




  • A woman is arrested outside the House and Senate chambers at the state legislature during the NAACP-led "Moral Monday" protests at the General Assembly in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, July 1, 2013. The rally this week highlighted the first day federal unemployment benefits that were cut off for 70,000 people. North Carolina is the first state to disqualify itself from collecting extended benefits as state leaders choose to pay down a debt to the federal government faster. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)




  • A man is arrested outside the House and Senate chambers at the state legislature during the NAACP-led "Moral Monday" protests at the General Assembly in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, July 1, 2013. The rally this week highlighted the first day federal unemployment benefits that were cut off for 70,000 people. North Carolina is the first state to disqualify itself from collecting extended benefits as state leaders choose to pay down a debt to the federal government faster. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)




  • A man is arrested outside the House and Senate chambers at the state legislature during the NAACP-led "Moral Monday" protests at the General Assembly in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, July 1, 2013. The rally this week highlighted the first day federal unemployment benefits that were cut off for 70,000 people. North Carolina is the first state to disqualify itself from collecting extended benefits as state leaders choose to pay down a debt to the federal government faster. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)




  • Protestors and demonstrators point toward the state legislature as they rally at Halifax Mall during the NAACP-led "Moral Monday" protests at the General Assembly in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, July 1, 2013. The rally this week highlighted the first day federal unemployment benefits that were cut off for 70,000 people. North Carolina is the first state to disqualify itself from collecting extended benefits as state leaders choose to pay down a debt to the federal government faster. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)




  • James Miller holds a flag as he and other protestors and demonstrators rally at Halifax Mall outside the state legislature during the NAACP-led "Moral Monday" protests at the General Assembly in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, July 1, 2013. The rally this week highlighted the first day federal unemployment benefits that were cut off for 70,000 people. North Carolina is the first state to disqualify itself from collecting extended benefits as state leaders choose to pay down a debt to the federal government faster. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)




  • William Barber


    Rev. William Barber, president of the N.C. chapter of the NAACP speaks to protestors and demonstrators outside the House and Senate chambers at the state legislature during the NAACP-led "Moral Monday" protests at the General Assembly in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, July 1, 2013. The rally this week highlighted the first day federal unemployment benefits that were cut off for 70,000 people. North Carolina is the first state to disqualify itself from collecting extended benefits as state leaders choose to pay down a debt to the federal government faster. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)




  • Capitol Police keep an eye on protestors and demonstrators outside the House and Senate chambers at the state legislature during the NAACP-led "Moral Monday" protests at the General Assembly in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, July 1, 2013. The rally this week highlighted the first day federal unemployment benefits that were cut off for 70,000 people. North Carolina is the first state to disqualify itself from collecting extended benefits as state leaders choose to pay down a debt to the federal government faster. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)




  • William Barber


    Rev. William Barber, president of the N.C. chapter of the NAACP pauses as he speaks to protestors and demonstrators outside the House and Senate chambers at the state legislature during the NAACP-led "Moral Monday" protests at the General Assembly in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, July 1, 2013. The rally this week highlighted the first day federal unemployment benefits that were cut off for 70,000 people. North Carolina is the first state to disqualify itself from collecting extended benefits as state leaders choose to pay down a debt to the federal government faster. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)




  • Protestors rally during "Moral Monday" demonstrations at Halifax Mall near the General Assembly in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, July 8, 2013. Nearly 700 people, led by the North Carolina Chapter of the NAACP, have been arrested over the past 10 weeks of the legislative session while protesting against policies being enacted by the North Carolina General Assembly. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)




  • General Assembly Police Lt. Martin Brock, right directs Rev. William Barber, President of the N.C. chapter of the NAACP to step down during "Moral Monday" demonstrations at the General Assembly in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, July 8, 2013. Nearly 700 people, led by the North Carolina Chapter of the NAACP, have been arrested over the past 10 weeks of the legislative session while protesting against policies being enacted by the North Carolina General Assembly. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)




  • Protestors rally during "Moral Monday" demonstrations at the General Assembly in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, July 8, 2013. Nearly 700 people, led by the North Carolina Chapter of the NAACP, have been arrested over the past 10 weeks of the legislative session while protesting against policies being enacted by the North Carolina General Assembly. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)




  • A man dressed as Uncle Sam is arrested during "Moral Monday" demonstrations at the General Assembly in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, July 8, 2013. Nearly 700 people, led by the North Carolina Chapter of the NAACP, have been arrested over the past 10 weeks of the legislative session while protesting against policies being enacted by the North Carolina General Assembly. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)




  • General Assembly Police Lt. Martin Brock monitors protestors during "Moral Monday" demonstrations at the General Assembly in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, July 8, 2013. Nearly 700 people, led by the North Carolina Chapter of the NAACP, have been arrested over the past 10 weeks of the legislative session while protesting against policies being enacted by the North Carolina General Assembly. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)




  • Les Geller of Raleigh holds a flag as he and other protestors rally at Halifax Mall during "Moral Monday" demonstrations at the General Assembly in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, July 8, 2013. Nearly 700 people, led by the North Carolina Chapter of the NAACP, have been arrested over the past 10 weeks of the legislative session while protesting against policies being enacted by the North Carolina General Assembly. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)




  • General Assembly and Capitol police stand by as protestors are arrested during "Moral Monday" demonstrations at the General Assembly in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, July 8, 2013. Nearly 700 people, led by the North Carolina Chapter of the NAACP, have been arrested over the past 10 weeks of the legislative session while protesting against policies being enacted by the North Carolina General Assembly. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)




  • Rev. William Barber, President of the N.C. chapter of the NAACP, speaks while demonstrators rally during "Moral Monday" protests at the General Assembly in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, July 8, 2013. Nearly 700 people, led by the North Carolina Chapter of the NAACP, have been arrested over the past 10 weeks of the legislative session while protesting against policies being enacted by the North Carolina General Assembly. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)




  • A group called Raging Grannies sing during "Moral Monday" demonstrations at Halifax Mall near the General Assembly in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, July 8, 2013. Nearly 700 people, led by the North Carolina Chapter of the NAACP, have been arrested over the past 10 weeks of the legislative session while protesting against policies being enacted by the North Carolina General Assembly. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)




  • A man dressed as Uncle Sam is arrested during "Moral Monday" demonstrations at the General Assembly in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, July 8, 2013. Nearly 700 people, led by the North Carolina Chapter of the NAACP, have been arrested over the past 10 weeks of the legislative session while protesting against policies being enacted by the North Carolina General Assembly. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)




  • A woman is arrested as protestors rally during "Moral Monday" demonstrations at the General Assembly in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, July 8, 2013. Nearly 700 people, led by the North Carolina Chapter of the NAACP, have been arrested over the past 10 weeks of the legislative session while protesting against policies being enacted by the North Carolina General Assembly. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)