Opposing abortion-rights protests held outside state legislative building in downtown Raleigh

The debate over abortion played out in opposing rallies in downtown Raleigh Saturday.

This past summer, the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, removing the right to an abortion.

Now the tense arguments are playing out in state legislatures like our own.

A crowd of anti-abortion advocates gathered in Raleigh outside the state legislative building.

That’s where republican leaders are making plans to further restrict abortion in the state.

“A North Carolina that values life,“ said anti-abortion protester Hayden Laye.

On the other side of the street – the other side of the argument.

Kelsea McLain is for abortion rights.

“This for us is about visibility,” said McLain. “My thoughts are that we don’t need to restrict abortion period.”

At times – supporters from the two sides came face-to-face.

McLain will not get what she wants from Republican legislators, but very likely neither will Victoria Fonville – who is anti-abortion.

“I don’t agree with abortion at any stage for any reason," said Fonville. "So, I am for outlawing all abortion.”

House Speaker Tim Moore said lawmakers have had discussions around a 13-week abortion ban with exceptions including rape, incest and saving the life of the mother; A move that would make our state the 18th most restrictive on abortion in the country.

Currently, the state ban is at 20 weeks.

While some anti-abortion advocates who talked to WRAL News said they would prefer a ban on abortion – they still consider added restrictions to be a positive move.