Both houses are moving forward with abortion bans. The League opposes the proposed bans in their entirety. It's time to stand up and be counted.
The current bills are draconian in their violation of the rights of all who are or can become pregnant, not even providing exceptions for the health of the mother. However, no set of exceptions will make these bills —or the “heartbeat” bill already in effect— acceptable. Our written testimony on H. 5399 outlines our concerns.
House Abortion Bans
The House Ad Hoc Committee chaired by Rep. McCravy finished its work and forwarded H.5399 to the House Judiciary Committee, where it has been sent to the Special Laws Subcommittee.
On Tuesday, August 16, 10 a.m., the Special Laws Subcommittee of the House will meet to take up H.5399 SC Human Life Protection Act, which outlaws abortion. The only exception is to prevent the death of the pregnant person, with no exceptions even to preserve their health.
At 1 p.m. on the same day the full House Judiciary Committee is expected to take up the bill. No oral testimony will be taken during the subcommittee meeting.
Take action!
By Tuesday, August 16:
- email a simple statement with one click to oppose H.5399.
- email written testimony to hjudspeciallaws [at] schouse.gov
Senate Abortion Bills
The Senate Medical Affairs Committee will take up abortion-related bills the following day, Wednesday, August 17, at 10 a.m. Bills to be considered are S.1327 Abortions: Prohibit Performance or Induction of Abortion (Grooms) and S.1373 Abortions (Cash). The League OPPOSES both.
Invited testimony will be taken in the morning. Oral testimony will be taken in the afternoon beginning at 12:30 p.m., but only from persons who signed up online, who will be allotted 3 minutes each. (League lobbyist Lynn Teague is # 33.)
Take action!
Before Wednesday, August 17, urge legislators to reject S.1327 and S.1373.
- Email a simple statement with one click to oppose S.1327 and S.1373.
- Email written testimony to smedicomm [at] scsenate.gov. Include “Dobbs” or a relevant bill number in the subject line.
- Call members of the Senate Medical Affairs Committee to reject these bills.
| Senate Medical Affairs Committee | |||
| Danny Verdin, Chair | 803-212-6250 | ||
| Thomas C. Alexander | 803-212-6220 | Marlon Kimpson | 803-212-6132 |
| Margie Bright Matthews | 803-212-6008 | Dwight A. Loftis | 803-212-6100 |
| Richard Cash | 803-212-6124 | Shane R.Martin | 803-212-6420 |
| Tom Corbin | 803-212-6100 | Mia McLeod | 803-212-6016 |
| Michael W. Gambrell | 803-212-6032 | Harvey S. Peeler, Jr. | 803-212-6430 |
| Brad Hutto | 803-212-6140 | John L. Scott, Jr. | 803-212-6124 |
| Sandy Senn | 803-212-6116 |
Contrasting with these draconian bills, S.1348 Reproductive Rights Act (Hutto) would preserve and protect reproductive rights in South Carolina.
Take action!
Before Wednesday, August 17, contact your senator to support S.1348 Reproductive Rights.
- Email a simple statement of support with one click to your senator.
August 17 rally, Columbia
The League joins our South Carolina allies in the fight for reproductive rights. If you can, stand up and be counted with Planned Parenthood and others on August 17.
Take action!
On Wednesday, August 17, at noon:
- Participate in the rally organized by Planned Parenthood outside the Gressette Building (south of the State House.) Read more.
Bill details:
- House H.5399: South Carolina Human Life Protection Act
- Senate S.1327 Prohibit Peformance or Induction of Abortion (Grooms)
- Senate S.1373 Abortions (Cash)
- Senate S.1348 Reproductive Health Rights Act (Hutto)
