Patty Dorian: McElraft doesn’t get it

Regarding the April 2 Under the Dome item “Abortion restrictions proposed in House”: It’s days later, and my blood is still boiling at the comments of Rep. Pat McElraft regarding abortion-related HB 465.

This bill ostensibly ensures that women receive “competent” care. McElraft pushed back on the idea that her fellow legislators might rather focus on less divisive legislation, saying, “We are multi-taskers here in the General Assembly. I am absolutely an advocate for jobs, but we can do a lot of things. And actually, when we can have a few more little taxpayers born, why not?”

Our words give us away. It is clear she views residents in the content of their ability to fill the state’s coffers. And her intent in sponsoring HB 465 appears to have very little to do with providing appropriate care for women.

One of these blunders should cause her constituents in Jones and Carteret counties to question her ability as a legislator, which should include respect for those constituents as well as transparency. Let us hope this dual blunder will serve as a career killer.

This story was originally published April 8, 2015 at 4:36 PM with the headline "Patty Dorian: McElraft doesn’t get it."