In a video from 2022, North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson is seen mocking the idea that young women should have access to birth control. During a speech at Hilltop Baptist Church in Thomasville, Robinson dismissed the need for sexual education and birth control for young women, suggesting they should just “get this under control.” Robinson has a history of making offensive remarks and promoting conspiracy theories, aligning himself with former President Donald Trump, who endorsed his campaign for governor.
Robinson criticized the idea of empowering young women through education, suggesting instead that they should focus on controlling their reproductive systems. He gestured near his groin and emphasized the importance of being responsible with one’s reproductive system, stating that young people should not engage in activities that could result in pregnancy until they are ready to have a child. He also criticized those who provide young women with information about sex and birth control, suggesting that the solution is simply to abstain from activities that could lead to pregnancy.
The video does not show the faces of attendees at the church event, but some can be heard agreeing with Robinson’s points about personal responsibility and control over one’s body. Robinson’s campaign has not responded to inquiries about his stance on young women having access to birth control, or his reasoning for using gestures near his crotch while discussing the topic. Robinson is currently running for governor in North Carolina against Democrat Josh Stein, the state’s attorney general, as the current governor, Roy Cooper, is term-limited out in November.
Despite support from former President Trump, Robinson is facing an uphill battle in the polls against Stein, according to data from the aggregation site FiveThirtyEight. Stein is leading in recent polls, suggesting that voters in North Carolina may be more aligned with his views on reproductive rights and access to birth control. Robinson’s controversial remarks and offensive comments may also be contributing to his lagging support in the race for governor. The video of Robinson’s remarks highlights the ongoing debate over reproductive rights and the role of government in providing access to contraception for women of all ages.
