UNCW student speaks out as Florida implements 6-week abortion ban

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — On Wednesday, Florida joins Georgia and South Carolina as they implement a 6-week ban on abortions, with little to no exceptions.  

14 other states have banned abortions altogether. North Carolina currently has a 12-week ban, along with Nebraska.

As state and federal elections approach in November, some people—like UNCW junior Madeline Stewart—worry that North Carolina will join other states in an all-out ban on abortion. 

“Having our family members before us having this right for their whole life, and that being something that we now are getting taken away from us, it’s very scary,” she said.

WWAY reached out to several state and local anti-abortion groups, though none were available for an interview on Wednesday. We did receive a statement from New Hanover County Republican Party Chair Nevin Carr that reads: 

“Most people place a higher value on human life than Democrats.  If you walk our beaches during turtle nesting season, you will witness Democrats fervently guarding turtle eggs with threats of thousands of dollar of fines and/or imprisonment if you so much as disturb a single turtle egg. And yet, when it comes to human life, the Democrats at Planned Parenthood proclaim on their website ‘There are no bad reasons to get an abortion.’ I think it’s important to draw from the wisdom of history and common sense when considering this issue.  Trump specifically said he’s leaving this up to the States. ”  

Although Donald Trump has expressed he would leave abortion rights to the states, Stewart noted Trump has signaled he helped overturn Roe v. Wade.  

“Donald Trump has been bragging that he broke Roe. So it’s something that they feel that pride in,” Stewart said.

At a Fox News town hall in January, Trump said, “For 54 years they were trying to get Roe v. Wade terminated, and I did it. And I’m proud to have done it.”  

Stewart feels to uphold abortion rights, more young people—like her—need to show out in November.  

“As young people, as students, we need to show up. We need to let our voices be heard. Most importantly, we need to show up to the polls,” she said.