N. Carolina overrides 12-week abortion ban veto
STORY: The law bans elective abortions after the first trimester, except in cases of rape, incest, life-limiting fetal anomalies and medical emergencies. It will curtail access to the procedure for millions of women across the U.S. South where a number of states have greatly restricted abortions.
Republican lawmakers were able to override the veto because they hold a supermajority of exactly three-fifths in each chamber, 72-48 in the House and 30-20 in the Senate. Before Governor Roy Cooper vetoed it, the measure whizzed through the legislature in early May in fewer than 48 hours with party line votes.
Before the vote, Republican Representative and physician, Kristin Baker, said a doctor's duty is to protect "each and every life, each and every life" thus she was voting in favor.
Meanwhile, Democratic Representative Julie von Haefen denounced the bill was being rushed and said it "will hurt women" in the state. "Why are you so determined to subvert the popular will of our state?" von Haefen asked lawmakers.
