NC Governor rejects 12-week abortion ban.

North Carolina Governor Vetoes Abortion Ban Bill

On Saturday, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper vetoed a bill that would ban abortion after the first trimester. The 12-week abortion ban bill was attacked by Democrats in the state legislature and labelled as “a complicated and confusing monster bill” which made patients “navigate a wicked obstacle course just to get care.”

The governor vetoed the bill at a rally on Saturday in Raleigh, North Carolina saying that the Republicans are “standing in the way of progress.”

Republicans Attempt to Override Veto

The Republican-led Senate passed the 46-page bill earlier in May by a vote of 29-20. After the bill was passed, the Governor promised to veto it. Although Republicans currently hold a veto proof majority in the state, the Governor called on four moderate Republicans to support his veto.

The four Republicans that the Governor has called on include Representatives Tricia Cotham (R-N.C.), John Bradford (R-N.C.), who represent Mecklenburg county, and Representative Ted David (R-N.C.), and Senator Michael Lee (R-N.C.) who represent New Hanover County.

If the bill successfully passes, it would bring the abortion restriction from 20 weeks, to 12 weeks “with exception for rape, incest, fatal fetal abnormalities and to save the life of the pregnant person” according to Politico.

Impact on Women’s Health

The bill would also require the patient to have an in-person consultation with a doctor at least 72 hours before receiving the abortion. It would also direct $160 million in funding towards maternal care, adoption care, contraceptive services, and paid leave after the birth of a child throughout the state.

Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, North Carolina has seen a dramatic increase in abortions as surrounding states in the south have passed restrictions and bans on abortion. According to Politico, “nearly 5,000 more abortions were performed in the state in the six months after the court decision.”

The vetoed bill now heads back to the general assembly where the Republicans hold a slim majority and are able to override the veto if enough votes are gathered.

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