1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

North Carolina's proposed House Bill 804 is an alarming overreach that would impose one of the nation's most restrictive abortion bans. This draconian measure would outlaw nearly all abortions after just 12 weeks of pregnancy, with extremely limited exceptions. Not only does this legislation blatantly violate an individual's constitutionally protected reproductive rights, but it also endangers the health and wellbeing of countless women and families across our state. Such a severe abortion restriction fails to account for the complex realities and personal circumstances that lead individuals to seek this vital healthcare service. By stripping away the ability to make deeply personal medical decisions, HB 804 substitutes the judgment of politicians for that of doctors and their patients. This unacceptable government overreach has no place in a free society that values personal liberty. Moreover, overwhelming scientific evidence demonstrates that abortion is an extremely safe medical procedure with major benefits for public health outcomes. Denying access to this care jeopardizes the lives of those who may face complications from high-risk pregnancies or suffer from conditions exacerbated by carrying a pregnancy to term. No person should be forced to undergo a potentially life-threatening experience against their will. Legislators must understand that reproductive freedom is a fundamental human right that enables equality, autonomy, and the opportunity to determine one's own future. Enacting HB 804 would represent a distressing regression that disregards decades of social progress. For the sake of our state's women, families, and future generations, I urge you to reject this cruel attempt to control personal healthcare decisions and vote no on this unconstitutional ban.