Raleigh, N.C. - On Tuesday, May 2nd, members of the Republican Majority in the North Carolina House and Senate announced plans to flagrantly disregard the democratic process and ram an unpopular abortion ban through the legislature in just 48 hours. Republican leaders ignored their own deadlines, and took unprecedented steps to limit time for public comment, amendments, and debate on the legislation, introducing the bill’s language shortly before 11:00 PM on the night before its first and only committee meeting at 9 AM. Following the House vote on SB 20, the House Democratic Caucus each filed protests regarding the threat that this bill poses to North Carolinians, pursuant to Article II Section 18 of the North Carolina Constitution. 

Representative Tim Longest (HD 34) voted against this dangerous bill and filed a constitutional protest when it passed the House on May 3rd. He will support Governor Cooper’s veto of this legislation, saying, “The Republicans’ extreme 12-week abortion ban is an attack on reproductive freedom that infringes on women’s ability to make deeply personal health care decisions and to control their bodies and their futures. North Carolinians oppose banning abortion, as well as the overreach reflected by the many new restrictions this law imposes. It is disappointing that Republicans rushed through a harmful bill that goes against the will of the people. I will stand with North Carolina women and protect reproductive freedom by voting to sustain Governor Cooper’s veto.” 

In a joint statement, House Democratic Leader Robert Reives and Senate Democratic Leader Dan Blue commented on the dangerous abortion ban championed by Republican members: “North Carolinians believe in freedom, including the freedom to make their own health decisions. This legislative session, the North Carolina GOP has made their priorities crystal clear, control and absolute power above all, even when it means putting lives in danger. North Carolinians are facing rising housing costs, underfunded public schools, unaffordable medical care, and increasing gun violence in their neighborhoods. North Carolinians don’t want another dangerous abortion ban – they want their leaders to step up and do what is right for their kids and their families.”