Brunswick Beacon, 08.25.22
Folks can’t always name their representative in the NC General Assembly. Here’s why that needs to change: radical Republicans in our state legislature are plotting to take away women’s reproductive rights.
A case in point is Frank Iler, the six-term NC General Assemblyman for Brunswick County (District 17). He’s running for re-election this year. He recently told WECT News that he hopes to roll back abortion access next year. Iler sponsored an extremist bill, H.B. 31, that would prohibit abortion if a “heartbeat” is detected. The bill’s underlying intention is to outlaw abortion after six weeks, using medically incorrect language regarding embryonic electrical activity to bolster the case. There are no exceptions for incest or rape.
Last year, another Republican extremist in our General Assembly introduced H.B. 158 as a NC Constitutional amendment. This bill declares that life begins at the moment of fertilization, and anyone attempting to destroy it shall be held accountable for murder! And, it gives vigilantes the right to use “deadly force” to prevent such procedures from occurring. No exceptions for rape, incest, or life of the mother.
Iler and his ilk are alarmingly out of step with most Americans. After the radical Republican Supreme Court majority struck down Roe v. Wade, Monmouth University reported that 66% say the procedure should be legal in most cases.
Currently, Governor Cooper has the veto power to override the unpopular bills of out-of-touch legislators like Iler. However, a few more extremist Republicans voted into office this November will result in them being able to overrule the will of their constituents and the veto of our governor.
Iler’s opponent, retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel Eric Terashima, has vowed to protect women’s fundamental reproductive rights. Voters must recognize that bodily autonomy is on the ballot. Choose wisely.
Shelley Allen
Holden Beach
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