NC Democrats Stand Up to Oppose Abortion
For immediate release
At the NC Democratic Party Convention held Saturday June 25th in Highpoint, North Carolina Pro-Life Democrats (NCPLD) presented two pro-life amendments for the NC Democratic Party Platform, continuing their efforts of the past two years to ensure the pro-life voice of the Democratic Party is heard.
The amendments offered included calling for an abortion-neutral section on women's health care meant to unite all Democrats in the common cause of improving women's health on all fronts and another calling for a conscience clause that recognized that the Democratic Party appreciates and welcomes differences of opinion on abortion. The amendments were defeated by voice votes when called to a floor vote, although the vote on the abortion-neutral amendment was closer than expected.
"While I am disappointed that our amendments did not pass, we are committed to working towards a platform that acknowledges that there are pro-life Democrats who do not support abortion-on-demand," said Eva Ritchey, President of North Carolina Pro-Life Democrats. "Pro-life Democrats make up approximately 43% of the Democratic Party and our efforts make sizable contributions. We will continue working to create openness and inclusiveness in our party."
Kathy Hough, a board member of the NCPLD from Charlotte added, "We believe that support for abortion is inconsistent with our Democratic Party values of justice and standing up for the powerless. We will continue to speak up so that their voices may be heard within our party."
The two amendments sponsored by members of NCPLD are:
1) "WOMEN: We celebrate the unique contributions to society by women at all stages of life, and we support the increased study of health issues that predominantly affect women. All women should have access to prenatal and postnatal care and counseling. We believe that women deserve to have real options available if they face unplanned pregnancies. This includes the support and resources needed to overcome the challenges of pregnancy, adoption, and/or parenthood. We support laws and programs to ensure appropriate child support from non-custodial parents and strengthened protections for victims of domestic violence."
2) "We recognize that a significant minority of Democrats sincerely hold contrary views regarding abortion. Recognizing that tolerance is a virtue, we are committed to resolving our differences in a spirit of civility and mutual respect. We hope to work together to reduce unintended pregnancies and to support women through all their reproductive decisions."
Legislative Alert
NC Pro-Life Democrats support HB 263, Victims of Unborn Violence Act
We ask that every pro-life Democrat please contact your representative. For more information:
Contact your representativeLifeNews: North Carolina Needs Unborn Victims Law...
Please call the speaker of the NC House, Joe Hackney, at (919) 733-3451 and the President Pro-Tempore of the NC Senate, Marc Basnight at (919) 733 6854 to ask them to allow the citizens of our state the opportunity to purchase a "Choose Life" license plate. The money raised by the sale of the plate would help fund crisis pregnancy centers.
Upcoming Events
Event: North Carolina Right to Life 35th Anniversary Dinner
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2008
Time: 6:30pm
Place: Greensboro, NC
Note: Please join NC Pro-Life Democrats at the NCRTL's 35th
Anniversary Dinner. Special Guests: Wanda Franz, Ph. D and Sentor Elizabeth Dole. For more info, visit: http://ncrtl.org
Past Events
Thanks for joining us at...
Event: State Executive Committee Meeting
Date: Saturday, January 26, 2008
Time: 10:00pm
Place: Hamlet, NC
Note: We will be petitioning for the passage of HB 263, Victims of Unborn Violence Act and the "Choose Life" license plate. For more info, visit: http://ncdp.org
North Carolina Pro-Life Democrats is just one chapter in a large collective of pro-life Democrats.
We are proud affiliates with the national Democrats for Life effort. Find out more about the nationwide effort by going to democratsforlife.org.