‘Not what democracy looks like.’ NC abortion rights protesters slam proposed 12-week ban

Hours after Republican state lawmakers announced their plan to limit abortion rights across the state, Gov. Roy Cooper announced he will veto the measure and opponents gathered to protest the ban.

By 2 p.m., more than 100 people had gathered outside the General Assembly in downtown Raleigh for the “Bans off Our Bodies” rally hosted by the local chapter of Planned Parenthood. Among the crowd: Attorney General Josh Stein, a Democratic candidate for governor in 2024.

“Stand up, fight back,” protesters chanted.

After hearing from speakers, the crowd walked a few feet to the Legislative Building where law enforcement stood on the roof looking down.

The crowd wrapped around the building, chanting, “this is what democracy looks like” and “my body, my choice” as they held signs during the security screening process before being allowed inside the building.

Samantha Weaver of Durham stood holding a sign reading “forced birthday is reproductive slavery,” and said she was hoping the bill didn’t go through.

“They’re trying to push that through on us, which ignored and violated our human rights,” she said. “And just because the illegitimate court tried to strip us of our human rights doesn’t mean we don’t still have them.”

12-week ban

The announcement to ban most abortions that take place after 12 weeks of gestation came Tuesday evening in a news conference by GOP legislative leaders. The bill is being fast-tracked through the legislature, with votes expected Wednesday afternoon and Thursday.

Republicans reached the agreement to restrict second- and third-trimester abortions after months of anticipation on when abortion legislation would be introduced. Senate Bill 20, titled the Care for Women, Children and Families Act, includes exceptions in cases of rape or incest allowing abortions up to 20 weeks. There is also a 24-week limit on situations involving a fatal fetal anomaly, and no abortion limits when a mother’s life is at risk.

Currently, abortion is restricted in the state after 20 weeks of pregnancy with an exception for medical emergencies.

The bill also includes funding for crisis pregnancy centers, adoption and foster care across the state.

Cooper plans veto

Cooper said he would block the bill. “I will veto this extreme ban and need everyone’s help to hold it,” he tweeted.

But the Democratic governor’s reach is increasingly limited. Republicans gained a supermajority in the General Assembly following Mecklenburg County Rep. Tricia Cotham’s switch from the Democratic side.

During their announcement Tuesday, the leaders said they secured all 30 votes from Republicans in the Senate and all 72 votes from those in the House, enough to override Cooper’s veto. Republicans said they had settled on a first-trimester abortion ban even though many were split on the restriction, The News & Observer reported.

At least one Democrat was undecided hours before the vote, Rep. Garland Pierce of Scotland County.

Democratic Sen. Natalie Murdock, who represents Durham, told protesters that over the past few weeks more and more harmful legislation has moved on fast-tracked schedules, with little committee debate or hearings. She said she didn’t see the abortion bill until 11 p.m. on Tuesday night.

“This is not what democracy looks like,” Murdock said.