Danny Britt, a North Carolina Republican state Senator, is being criticized after his office responded to a woman's email raising concerns about the state's abortion policies by telling her to "move to China immediately and see how that works out for you."
A constituent, who requested anonymity due to safety concerns, told NBC News on Saturday that she emailed Britt on November 7, expressing that her family "desperately wants to expand" but cannot due to the state of abortion rights:
“But because of You, [President-elect Donald] Trump and the republican party and the strict abortion laws in this country we cannot. Thanks for ruining our futures! You all are terrible people.”
In response, Britt’s legislative assistant, Camille McDougald, allegedly suggested the constituent consider moving to another country, sending the following response:
“Thank you so much for the email. I am not quite certain how we are preventing you from expanding your family. I suggest you move to China immediately and see how that works out for you. If for some reason that fails Russia is nice in the winter and Venezuela in the summer.”
In North Carolina, abortions are permitted within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy; when a licensed physician identifies a medical emergency; up to the 20th week in cases of rape or incest; and up to the 24th week if a doctor diagnoses a life-limiting anomaly in the fetus. In cases of life-limiting anomalies, patients must complete a consent form before proceeding with the abortion.
McDougald’s response drew widespread attention after TikTok user Lindsay Talley shared a video last week.
@talleypartyof5 please like and share #fyp #dannybritt #reproductiverights #women #womensrights
Talley explained that her friend has a genetic disorder causing "life-threatening" fetal heart anomalies.
The video, which has garnered over 260,000 views, was later featured in a news report that you can see below.
@talleypartyof5 Keep boosting and sharing! The fight goes on. #fyp #womensrights #dannybritt #nc #senate #women #reproductiverights @ABC News @Jeff Jackson @MSNBC @CBS Mornings
Britt and his staff are facing harsh criticism as a result.
A former prosecutor now practicing law in Lumberton, Britt is a four-term state senator representing Senate District 24, which includes Hoke, Robeson, and Scotland counties. He serves as the chairman of the Judiciary Committee and the Justice and Public Safety Appropriations Committee.
While Britt previously maintained a social media presence on X, his account has since been deleted. The timing and reason for its removal remain unclear, including whether it was connected to the TikTok post.