CHARLOTTE, N.C. — North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper was in Charlotte on Monday to advocate for abortion access and President Joe Biden's reelection.
Cooper joined House Democratic Leader Robert Reives, House Deputy Democratic Leader Ashton Clemmons, and local health care providers for a press conference on what would be the 51st anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade.
“Politicians have no place in the exam room, for the woman and her doctor, and since the fall of Roe v. Wade we’ve heard countless horrifying stories from women across the country being denied lifesaving care," Cooper said.
Despite not being able to run for re-election, Governor Cooper is pushing to protect abortion rights in the state, saying the 2024 election is critical. He encouraged people to vote, as North Carolina will be a battleground state.
Also, on Monday, faith leaders and activists rallied for reproductive rights in Raleigh. The rally took place just days after thousands of abortion rights opponents attended the annual March for Life in D.C.
"This is a critical time to help all moms who are facing unplanned pregnancies to work with foster children, and to help families who are adopting to volunteer and assist," House Speaker Representative Mike Johnson said.
North Carolina currently has a 12-week abortion ban, with some exceptions, a change that North Carolina Republicans were able to pass after gaining a supermajority.
Dr. Katherine Farris, the Chief Medical Officer of Planned Parenthood South Atlantic said they've seen negative impacts on patients.
“It’s been devastating," Farris said. 'The goal of these bans is to cause harm and confusion and they’re 100% working."
Monday's gathering comes as President Joe Biden's camp prepares to take their campaign on the importance of abortion access nationwide, striking a clear contrast to Republican frontrunner Former President Donald Trump, who opposes the procedure and credits his presidency to the decision being overturned in 2022.
Speaking to WCNC Charlotte's Ben Thompson during a visit to Charlotte earlier this month, Vice President Kamala Harris defended abortion access, saying women's constitutional right to make an independent decision on the procedure was revoked.
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"One does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree the government should not be telling folks what to do with their own body," Harris said.
Other 2024 presidential hopefuls are taking a more moderate approach, with Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley hoping to strike a balance as both pro-life and committed to reaching a national agreement.
The next contest. will be Tuesday in New Hampshire as voters take to the polls for the first primary of the 2024 presidential election cycle.
Contact Kayland Hagwood at khagwood@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Contact Lexi Wilson at lwilson@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.