Gov. Cooper travels to Davidson defending veto on abortion bill

Evan Donovan
·2 min read
6

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper stopped in Davidson Tuesday to try to convince local Republicans to support his veto against a bill that limits abortion.

ALSO READ: NC rep pushes back against Gov. Cooper over abortion bill

The governor needs at least one Republican to defend the veto, and there are two from the area who he’s targeting, Reps. John Bradford, and Tricia Cotham.

“I’m going to veto this legislation on Saturday,” Cooper said in Davidson.

Cooper began his statewide tour to make his case to the lawmakers’ constituents.

“And what we want them to do is to ask Republican legislators who have promised to protect women’s reproductive freedom to keep those promises,” Cooper said. “And to stand with us on the veto of this legislation. We really only need one.”

Bradford told Channel 9 he supports the current state law.

“I am fine with the law. Anyone in North Carolina you have the choice of up to 20 weeks,” Bradford said.

Cotham switched parties last month giving Republicans enough votes to override the governor’s vetoes.

“I am a single mom of two amazing sons, a teacher, a small business owner, a woman with strong faith, a national championship basketball coach, and a public servant,” Cotham said when she announced the move. “Today, I add Republican to that list.”

Cooper pointed out that four months ago, Cotham, as a Democrat, sponsored legislation to codify Roe v. Wade.

“Nothing has changed since then,” Cooper said. “A party label shouldn’t change that fact. And if you want independent thought, then this is a real time to exercise that independent thought and stand up to your new party.”

The Rev. Paul Brintley, who is a pastor at Fellowship Church in Gaston County and a member of the North Carolina Faith and Freedom Coalition, would like to have a full ban on all abortions.

He said politicians should be true to themselves.

“That is that individual’s conscience,” Brintley said. “They don’t weigh how many people want them to or not to. They’re the ones pushing the button.”

If this bill becomes law, it includes more than the ban after 12 weeks.

It also limits the amount of time for abortion pills. That method currently is allowed until 20 weeks in North Carolina.

The bill would cut that in half to 10 weeks, and women would not be able to call for appointments. They would have to see a doctor in person.

VIDEO: NC rep pushes back against Gov. Cooper over abortion bill