‘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.

More than 100 people gathered outside the Legislative Building in downtown Raleigh for an afternoon “Bans off Our Bodies” rally hosted by the local chapter of Planned Parenthood.

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

Once inside, they gathered on the third floor outside the House chamber’s gallery entrance, where there is public seating, awaiting a vote after 3 p.m. on the abortion bill. Outside an auditorium where a committee of lawmakers was meeting, they pressed signs against the windows.

With less than 10 minutes before the House session was scheduled to start, most protesters had already entered the building, and a few dozen people milled about in front.

Earlier, outside the building, Amee Stewart’s pink picket sign read “same crap different century” in bold letters.

Stewart came from Pittsboro to the rally to “try to help the women who are a lot younger than me and to support them and to support pro-choice.”

Em Puertolas was at the rally with her 2-year-old daughter, who had already been to four abortion rallies.

“I’ve been through pregnancy, and childbirth and postpartum, it’s not something anyone should have to go through if they don’t want to,” Puertolas said. “We don’t have enough support in this country for pregnant people and people with children regardless… so yeah, I’m mad.”

Standing outside awaiting the screening, Danielle Pierson of Durham said her own anger had turned to sadness and fear.

“I’m trying to get pregnant in the next year,” she said. “I have a baby already and I find that it’s going to be unsafe to have one in the state.

“I’m also a physician, so I see all sorts of complications that people just don’t want to think about. They don’t think about all the things that could go wrong during a pregnancy.”

Cooper plans veto of 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 adoption and foster care across the state.

Republicans said the legislation would save lives and provide women and families with new options.

Rep. Sarah Stevens told reporters that lawmakers “are pleased that the unborn will be recognized as having a fundamental right to be born, and mothers will get our unconditional support. It’s time to catch up with the science that affirms parenthood before birth. This is a pro-woman, holistic approach.”

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.

Protesters hear from doctor, Democratic lawmaker

Among the crowd at the protest was Attorney General Josh Stein, a Democratic candidate for governor in 2024.

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.”

The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for states to enact abortion restrictions last year.

Dr. Amy Bryant, a Triangle-based obstetrician who has challenged the state’s abortion laws in court, said in a speech to protesters that North Carolina’s legislation ignores medical evidence.

“It puts the government in the exam room,” she said.

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.

Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan contributed to this report.