North Carolina abortion war: Governor vetoes 12-week abortion ban

The governor of North Carolina vetoed the bill passed by the state General Assembly to ban abortions after the 12th week of pregnancy. Democrat Roy Cooper turned the signing event into a public plea in favor of the alleged right women's supposed right to decide over their own bodies to terminate gestation. However, it may remain a symbolic act, since the Republican Party's supermajorities in the state's two legislative chambers allow them to repeal the measure.

"It will make abortion inaccessible to many women."

According to Cooper, the rule approved by state congressmen "will make abortion inaccessible to many women, particularly those with lower incomes, those living in rural areas, and those who already have limited access to health care. Therefore, I veto this bill." The governor reenacted the signing process step by step, to theapplause and cheers of Democratic supporters gathered at the event in Raleigh, the state capital.

However, congressional Republicans have a sufficient majority in both the House and Senate to override the governor's veto. Democratic lawmakers will try to get the backing of a GOP member in these chambers to get abortion to remain legal up to 20 weeks, as it is now. At least four conservative politicians publicly stated their objections to their party's rule. However, even former Democrat Tricia Cotham, who recently switched benches, voted in favor of the Republican proposal. They will be the initial focus of Cooper and the Democrats in the state General Assembly.

GOP accuses Cooper of "spreading disinformation."

North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore accused the governor of having spent "the week, including Mother's Day weekend, spreading disinformation about SB 20 in an effort to scare voters and appease campaign donors." The conservative leader defended his rule and noted that the veto will be short-lived: "The truth is that the Women, Children and Families Care Act will save unborn lives, protect women and support families. His veto will be quickly overridden."