Bishop William Barber, faith leaders speak out against new NC abortion bill
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Bishop William Barber and other local faith leaders held a press conference at the North Carolina General Assembly.
It was a bit of a contentious beginning to today's gathering that was set to take place in the Press Room over an apparent discrepancy or mix-up over the booking process so clergy were not allowed to use the space.
Instead they gathered outside to discuss Senate Bill 20 that prohibits most abortions after twelve weeks, while include exceptions for rape, incest, fetal abnormalities or if a mother's life is in danger.
It also adds requirements including counseling and in-person appointments.
Measures opponents believe would greatly impact access to the procedure.
"We're simply here today to say nothing this legislature is doing is about choosing life. If extremists were deeply concerned about life, they would have done something to address the number one killer of children - gun violence. If they were really concerned about life, they would have declared a state of emergency because poverty, the fourth leading cause of death in this nation is an epidemic in North Carolina," said Rev. Barber.
This comes just a day before planned pro and anti-abortion rallies are set to take place in downtown Raleigh.
It's where Governor Cooper, who wrapped up a speaking series Thursday expressing his concerns, will sign the veto.
On the other side, backers of the legislation believe this is a mainstream compromise.
Caitlin Connors is the Southern Regional Director for Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, one of the groups leading a rally in support of the bill.
She pointed towards funding resources.
"We want to be there to support moms and families. So this $160 million allocation going towards so many different tangible efforts, paid parental leave for state employees and teachers, affordable child care, infant and maternal mortality issues, adoption and foster care reform, it really runs the gambit of different issues that arise that need our attention," said Connors.
Saturday's rallies will begin at 10 a.m.
