At a recent event, Mark Robinson, the Republican nominee for governor of North Carolina, made a controversial statement claiming that birth control is “being forced on very young ladies” and suggested that it might encourage them to have more sex. These remarks have drawn significant attention, as Robinson, currently the state’s lieutenant governor, is known for making inflammatory and often unfounded statements.

The comments were captured in a recording obtained by HuffPost, made by an undercover operative from American Bridge 21st Century, a Democratic research group. The conversation took place at a meet-and-greet in Rockingham County on August 26, where Robinson was asked about his views on birth control. North Carolina law permits such recordings under its one-party consent policy, meaning it is legal as long as one party involved in the conversation is aware of the recording.

When asked by the operative about young women being pressured into using birth control, Robinson responded, “The only thing I don’t like about birth control is when it’s being forced on very young ladies.” While Robinson didn’t specify who he believes is forcing birth control on young women, his comments suggest a broader discomfort with the idea of adolescents using contraceptives, a sentiment that aligns with conservative rhetoric against sex education and reproductive rights.

Robinson agreed with the operative's suggestion that birth control might make young women “more inclined to be promiscuous,” saying, “I think so.” However, he also noted the difficulty of translating such personal opinions into legislation.

Robinson’s claims reflect broader conservative efforts to limit access to birth control, despite research that contradicts his position. Contrary to the notion that contraceptives encourage promiscuity, studies have found that some forms of birth control, like the combined hormonal pill, can actually reduce sex drive. Moreover, birth control is widely used for reasons beyond preventing pregnancy. Women of all ages rely on contraceptives to treat health issues such as menstrual cramps, ovarian cysts, iron deficiencies, and even ovarian cancer.

Despite his claims that he doesn’t inherently oppose birth control, Robinson has a track record of expressing disdain for it. Earlier this year, Robinson referred to Margaret Sanger, the founder of Planned Parenthood, and her allies as “witches” and “satanists” on a podcast, further fueling his image as a staunch opponent of reproductive rights.

In addition to his comments on birth control, Robinson falsely stated that the abortion pill is “dangerous.” The abortion pill, which is used to terminate pregnancies in the early stages, has been approved by the FDA and safely used in the U.S. for over 20 years. This medication is not the same as birth control, yet Robinson’s statements conflated the two, spreading further misinformation about reproductive health.

Robinson’s comments on birth control and the abortion pill are just the latest in a long line of controversial statements. He has previously suggested outlandish conspiracy theories, including that Beyoncé is “satanic,” the moon landing may have been faked, and that there is a secretive class of reptilian elites ruling the United States.

As the Republican nominee for governor, Robinson is running against Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein in the upcoming election. With Governor Roy Cooper term-limited, the North Carolina gubernatorial race has become one of the key political contests in the state. Polls currently show Stein leading Robinson, and the Cook Political Report has rated the race as “leaning Democrat.”

Robinson’s remarks, particularly around reproductive rights, are likely to resonate with his core conservative base but could alienate moderate and independent voters in the state. As Republicans across the country grapple with how to address women’s health issues and reproductive rights, Robinson’s stance reflects the broader tension within the GOP on how to navigate these issues without losing key voter demographics. With Josh Stein gaining traction in the polls, Robinson's controversial statements may further complicate his bid for governor.