Trey Paul, FISM News
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Despite being labeled “extreme” by the left, a pro-life bill in North Carolina that could save the lives of thousands of babies is on track to become one of the more moderate abortion bans approved since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
The North Carolina Legislature approved the Care for Women, Children and Families Act Thursday, which will ban nearly all abortions on unborn babies in the state starting at 12 weeks.
Other states have introduced legislation that bans abortions after six weeks. North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, a pro-abortion Democrat, has vowed to veto any pro-life legislation. A six-week abortion ban would have a harder time securing the supermajority to override his veto.
The results of a Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America poll suggest nearly two-thirds of North Carolina voters support protecting unborn children by at least 12 weeks.
Political writer Hayden Cunningham shared a moving visual on social media, showing an unborn baby in the womb at 12 weeks. He tweeted: “North Carolina has approved an abortion ban after 12 weeks. For reference, this is an unborn baby in the womb at 12 weeks. How anyone can say this isn’t a life is beyond me, especially considering all of us once looked similar.”
North Carolina has approved an abortion ban after 12 weeks.
For reference, this is an unborn baby in the womb at 12 weeks. How anyone can say this isn’t a life is beyond me, especially considering all of us once looked similar:
— Hayden Cunningham (@Hayden_C_USA) May 4, 2023
The bill provides no restriction when the mother’s life is in danger. Iin cases of rape and incest, expectant mothers would be allowed up to 20 weeks to opt for an abortion, and 24 weeks in the case of “life-limiting” anomalies for the fetus.
The legislation also makes it more difficult for people who are from out of state to obtain an abortion in North Carolina.
According to the latest CDC data, protecting unborn children at 12 weeks could potentially save 3,000 babies from abortions every year.
Rep. Sarah Stevens (R-Surry) said 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.”
Another lawmaker who is key to North Carolina’s veto-proof majority is former Democratic state Rep. Tricia Cotham. She voted in favor of the 12-week abortion after promising on Twitter to “continue my strong record of defending the right to choose.”
FISM News has previously reported Cotham switched to the Republican Party in April after citing objectionable Democratic Party policies and the bullying tactics of the left. She said that the final straw came when Democrats criticized her for using the American flag and praying hands emoji on social media.
Caitlin Connors, southern regional director for SBA Pro-Life America, praised North Carolina lawmakers for advancing the bill and protecting women and children.
“The Care for Women, Children and Families Act is deeply pro-life and pro-woman and a major step forward for North Carolina,” she told Life News. “This bill would protect thousands of lives a year from brutal abortions at a point when unborn babies have beating hearts, recognizable faces and unique fingerprints forming, and the capacity to suffer, as well as stopping dangerous mail-order abortion pills and more. It demonstrates the legislature’s serious commitment to giving women and families in North Carolina the support they need to thrive. We thank our allies, particularly our Pro- Life Caucus member Sen. Krawiec, Speaker Moore and Senate Leader Berger, Tami Fitzgerald and all the local advocates who’ve championed this bill and we hope to see it swiftly passed. Governor Cooper and Attorney General Stein oppose the will of the people at their political peril.”
North Carolina is one of dozens of conservative-led states in which more restrictive abortion laws are being created.
In Montana, Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte signed five bills this week that could save the lives of the unborn.
One such bill, the Infant Safety and Care Act, requires doctors to preserve the life of a child following an attempted abortion. It’s similar to several “born alive” bills passed by state lawmakers and one passed by the current GOP-led U.S. House of Representatives.