You’ve probably seen the outrageous campaign ads accusing me, Michael Lee, of casting the
“deciding vote” on banning abortion with no exceptions—not even in cases of rape,
incest, or when the mother’s life is at risk.
My initial thought upon seeing these ads was, “Surely, no one will believe these
claims.” After all, my record is clear. On September 7, 2022, I published an Op-Ed in the
Star News where I publicly stated my support for a woman’s right to an abortion in the
first three months of pregnancy. I also made it clear that after that point, exceptions
should be made for cases of rape, incest, fetal anomalies, and when the mother’s life is
at risk. The law in North Carolina—the very one I cast a decisive vote on—reflects
exactly that.
The law I supported grants women the right to choose in the first trimester of pregnancy. After those three months, it includes important exceptions:
1. If the pregnancy resulted from rape or incest.
2. If there is a medical emergency, if the mother’s life is endangered, or if her
physical health his at risk.
3. If there is a serious fetal abnormality.
These aren’t arbitrary rules; they were crafted after deep consultation with medical
professionals, legal experts, and advocates from all sides of the issue. It’s a balanced,
compassionate approach that respects both women’s autonomy and the importance of
safeguarding life.
Yet, despite all of this, these misleading ads keep showing up. Campaigns are a rough-and-tumble business. I was told early on that politics is a full-contact sport, where truth can sometimes become a casualty of the rush for votes. But the extent of the dishonesty we’re seeing in this election cycle feels unprecedented. These attacks aren’t just personal, they’re dangerous. They distort critical issues that affect the lives and health of millions of women. The truth about my stance—and the law itself—is clear, yet the other side would prefer to muddy the waters with fearmongering and half-truths.
Why? Because for some, it’s easier to scare people with lies than to confront the
complexities of reality. For some, it’s easier to label someone as “extreme” than to acknowledge that real policymaking requires compromise and nuance. I’ve always believed that in the face of challenges, especially one as personal and deeply emotional as reproductive rights, we need to lead with facts and compassion.
It’s worth pointing out that North Carolina’s law—one of the most thoughtful in the
nation—has served as a model for how states can balance these competing concerns.
It safeguards a woman’s right to make critical decisions about her body, while also
respecting life and ensuring that protections are in place when a pregnancy becomes
too dangerous to continue. This isn’t a theoretical issue. It’s about real women, real
families, and real choices that deserve our careful, thoughtful consideration.
So when these campaign mailers claim I support “banning abortion” without exceptions,
they’re not just attacking me,— they’re attacking a woman’s right to access healthcare
that’s already protected by law. They’re distorting a conversation that deserves honesty
and respect.
At the end of the day, I believe that voters deserve better. They deserve the truth, not
scare tactics. I remain steadfast in my commitment to defending women’s rights, and I
have faith that the people of North Carolina will see through the noise. Our state’s future
depends on honest dialogue, not political games. And I trust that when voters cast their
ballots, they’ll choose facts over fear, truth over lies.
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