South Carolina Lawmakers Debate Controversial Abortion Bill in Hearing

Columbia, South Carolina — A group of South Carolina lawmakers held a critical hearing on Tuesday to discuss a proposed near-total abortion ban that could impose severe prison sentences on those who assist in the termination of a pregnancy.

The bill, which is being reviewed by a state subcommittee, would eliminate existing exceptions for rape, incest, and fetal anomalies. South Carolina currently enforces a six-week abortion ban with limited exceptions, but this new proposal aims to classify abortion as a felony equal to homicide, potentially leading to up to 30 years in prison for those who perform or undergo the procedure.

Amalia Luxardo, CEO of the Women’s Rights and Empowerment Network (WREN), emphasized the extreme nature of the proposal, stating, “If people think that there are exceptions here, I want to reiterate that there are none.” Luxardo noted that the bill is devoid of any provisions for special circumstances, making it one of the strictest abortion laws in the United States.

The hearing on Tuesday was closed to public comments, leading to concerns from opponents about their inability to respond to the legislation. Nimra Chowdhry, a senior legislative counsel with the Center for Reproductive Rights, expressed worries over the bill’s implications. “We have seen time and time again, when very restrictive legislation sees the light of day, other states follow suit,” she cautioned.

Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to ensure that unborn children are afforded legal protections. However, the South Carolina Citizens for Life organization expressed hesitation, stating, “We oppose the criminalization of women who choose to have an abortion,” highlighting a split among anti-abortion advocates.

During a previous hearing, doctors and advocates voiced strong opposition, warning that the legislation poses serious risks to reproductive healthcare. OB-GYN Natalie Gregory described the bill as a “legal minefield” that would impede medical professionals’ ability to offer care. Critics assert the bill could extend beyond abortion, potentially affecting access to contraceptive methods and in vitro fertilization.

As the committee prepares to revisit the bill, uncertainty looms over its future. While the proposal faces formidable opposition, it also reflects a heightened tension surrounding reproductive rights in South Carolina.