Twice this month, I have been in a small meeting with Bev Perdue, our Governor.  Honestly, I found myself to be a little star struck - I mean, this is the most powerful woman in North Carolina! 

I found it hard to say anything at that first meeting.   It was June 1st, the Day of Action for Women’s Health, and our Planned Parenthood team met with the Governor. I was there to document and share the experiences of the day with our advocates.   We delivered more than 17,000 signatures we’d gathered in support of Planned Parenthood and against the state funding ban.  Even though she was flying out to meet with President Obama, the Governor took the time to receive our petition and letters of support.  She was so gracious and kind and posed for pictures with our group.

And then this past Monday, June 27th, our office got a call from the Governor’s office.  We were invited to watch as the Governor took action on HB854.  We met in Greensboro and it was with great pleasure that we watched as some of our best legislative allies entered the room, Representatives Alma Adams and Pricey Harrison, as well as Senator Don Vaughan.  

It was quite a thrill to see her staff setting up the large VETO stamp with ink pad, the communication about the bill, and pens to sign.  I went in full on tourist mode and snapped several photos of the stamp and the letter from the Governor.

When Governor Perdue entered the room, she greeted each person with a warm hello, a hug or handshake, and a thank you.  She has gotten to know a number of our staff over the years and thanked them for the work they do on behalf on NC’s women.  

It is our great fortune to have a Governor who will stand up for women and children and against this extreme governmental intrusion into doctor-patient relationship.  As the Governor rightly stated, “Physicians must be free to advise and treat their patients based on their medical knowledge and expertise and not have their advice overridden by elected officials seeking to impose their own ideological agenda on others.”

As her hand came down with the VETO stamp, I felt chills.  I’m lovin’ the Governor!

Let’s show the Governor some love, call and thank her (800) 662-7952 or (919) 733-2391 or email her.

Comments are closed.