RALEIGH, N.C. – On Sunday, we in the North Carolina Senate received a message from the Governor, notifying us that he had vetoed Senate Bill 20 — the Care for Women & Children Act. It was both disheartening and telling that the Governor chose Mother’s Day to veto our bill which protects the sanctity of human life and supports a strong family structure.
Governor Cooper's decision to veto this bill was disappointing but not surprising. He has proven himself to be ultra-radical on this issue, having vetoed previous legislation which bans post-birth abortions (see Senate Bill 359 from the 2019 Session) that most of us recognize as murder.
It is evident that Governor Cooper's stance is out of touch with the values and beliefs held by a majority of North Carolinians. As a parent, I know that children are a blessing, not a burden. I’m proud to stand alongside the millions of women who choose life for their unborn babies. On Tuesday, we voted to override the Governor’s veto, successfully making our bill become law, to limit abortions to 12 weeks of pregnancy. This is a significant stride forward in safeguarding the well-being of unborn children.
The Care for Women & Children Act reflects our unwavering commitment to promoting a culture of life. Contrary to the mischaracterizations made by Governor Cooper, this law is not solely about limiting access to abortion. It provides comprehensive support for women facing difficult choices. In addition to limiting abortion, our legislation includes vital provisions for paid parental leave and foster care programs.
By offering tangible assistance, we’re empowering women to choose life with confidence, knowing that they have the support they need. This new law recognizes the importance of strong families and ensures that women are not cornered with limited options but instead offered a safety net of care.
While some members of our party express concerns that the law doesn't go far enough to protect life, we must acknowledge the political realities of our slim supermajority. Quite frankly, our bill was the most pro-life legislation that we could pass while maintaining enough votes to override the Governor’s veto and become law. It is not a final step — it is a firm foundation in our ongoing mission to protect life.
Overriding Governor Cooper’s veto of the Care for Women & Children Act marks a significant milestone in our collective effort to protect life in North Carolina. By limiting abortions and providing comprehensive support to women and families, we are advancing a culture of life that cherishes the inherent value of every human being. We will continue to work tirelessly, united in our commitment to protecting life.
Senator Michael Lazzara (R) represents Onslow County in the North Carolina Senate.
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