‘Yes, I’m concerned’: NC Governor on failed contraception law 

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — “Making sure that they have that right is important and I support efforts to make sure that right is preserved,” said Democratic North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper in response to Wednesday’s attempt by Democrats in the U.S. Senate to guarantee the right for people to obtain and use contraceptives.

The proposed legislation was blocked by Republicans 51-39. Beforehand, Republican NC Senator Ted Budd was part of a senate hearing on reproductive health care.

When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade Justice Clarence Thomas wrote that he wants to revisit the 1965 ruling guaranteeing the right to access contraception.

Governor Cooper told CBS 17 Thomas’s opinion and the overturning of Roe v. Wade has him concerned.

“We’ve seen Republican leaders across the country use that decision not only to take away women’s reproductive freedom, but to attack fertility treatments and to begin attacks on people’s right to contraception. So, what the U.S. Senate tried to do yesterday was put in federal protections for contraception, Democrats here in the North Carolina legislature have tried to introduce legislation to put protections,” Gov. Cooper said.

He continued, “Yes, I’m concerned, particularly after these elections that Republican leadership here in North Carolina who promise to do more to take away women’s reproductive freedom could also attack people’s right to contraception. So, I think it’s time for people to step up and remember that when they go to the ballot box in November, remember the candidates who are working to protect their personal rights and freedoms.”

In response, NC Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger’s communication advisor Randy Brechbiel said:

“This is just more fearmongering from Gov. Cooper. No bills have been filed to restrict access to contraceptives in North Carolina. In fact, Senate Bill 20 included funds for nonprofit community health centers to increase access to contraceptives.”

Republican North Carolina senator Thom Tillis also criticized the Democrat’s proposal in the Senate saying he will help introduce the “Allowing Greater Access to Safe and Effective Contraception Act.” The bill would ensure government agencies are not using tax dollars to fund abortions or abortion providers.

Nevertheless, Governor Cooper believes the Democratic proposal is the best option to guarantee access to contraception.

“What we would want and what we would be satisfied with is statutory protections. And that’s what I believe the Democratic proposal legislation is, not only at the federal level but at the state level. Those protections just to make sure that people have the right to access contraception,” said Gov. Cooper.