'Life begins at birth': Faith leaders defend abortion drug in Raleigh
Dozens attended a downtown Raleigh rally on Tuesday to defend medication abortion as the United States Supreme Court hears arguments on mifepristone, a popular abortion drug.
Mifepristone is one of two drugs used to terminate a pregnancy. CNN reports most people who end pregnancies in the U.S. use pills to do so, calling abortion pills the "most common" type of abortion.
Close to 80 people showed up for the rally, which was organized by an interfaith coalition of local congregations who support reproductive rights. Some of the groups sent protestors to Washington, D.C., to protest outside of the Supreme Court, where arguments began at 10 a.m.
"This is an issue about separation of church and state," said Rabbi Robin Damsky with the Judea Reform Congregation. "Judaism clearly states life begins at birth, it does not begin at conception it does not begin during the term of pregnancy. It begins at birth. The life of the mother is primary."
"I"m here today to ensure that women's rights are not infringed on," added Irene Faust, a retired doctor.
The arguments come less than two years after the Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade. It's a decision that could have serious consequences in North Carolina, where, in 2023, 63% of abortions were medication abortions.
"I'm in my 70s and thought we had fought this fight before Roe v. Wade was decided," said Nancy Davis, who attended the rally. "We kind of took a breath and all of a sudden it comes back and smacks us in the face."
No counter protesters attended the Raleigh rally.
The rally brought together people of different faiths that said their religion supports a woman's right to choose.
By June, the U.S. Supreme Court could issue a ruling that would cut off mail and telemedicine prescriptions for mifepristone.
If the Supreme Court reverses the FDA’s regulations, North Carolinians could see less drastic changes compared to some other states. However, it could affect how long a patient has to end their pregnancy.
People at the Raleigh rally told WRAL News they're ready to mobilize if needed.
"We're going to be marching, we're going to be demonstrating," Davis said.
The drug is still fully available while the Supreme Court deliberates.
