S.474 Six-week "heartbeat" abortion ban returns to the SC Senate
Urge your senator to reject Bill 474, an overreach into our health care decisions.
The South Carolina House passed Senate Bill 474, a bill that bans abortion after six weeks of pregnancy, which is before the vast majority of people even know they're pregnant. House lawmakers passed an amended version of the bill, sending it back to the Senate for their consideration and concurrence. This ban is not yet law, and the fight continues next week.
Anti-abortion legislators in South Carolina want to force people, including children, to give birth in this state and make abortion impossible to access.
The asks
Before Tuesday, May 23, noon, call your senator. Again.
A friendly staff assistant will answer, or you can leave a message.
Already called this session? Call again. Let your senator know that you are closely following attempts to deny reproductive rights. Their vote on this issue is important to you, their constituent!
Find your senator's contact info.
Talking points
- Theology has no place in our secular legal system. S.474 establishes in law mandates based on the teachings of several specific religious groups. The SC Constitution, like the US Constitution, prohibits religious establishment.
- Our laws must be grounded in principles widely shared in our society. A recent poll showed that 69% of South Carolinians believe abortion should be a decision between a woman and her doctor.
- This bill violates constitutionally guaranteed liberties, such as the right to privacy.
- Exceptions listed in the bill are few and grossly inadequate. Attempts to define relevant conditions demonstrate the problems that arise when legislators attempt to act as physicians.
- Violations of our freedom to control our reproductive choices have devastating consequences—physically, psychologically, and financially —especially for women of color and under-served communities.
- South Carolina’s desirability will be affected, deterring businesses, employees, college students, and OB-GYNS.
More information
Procedurally, should the Senate vote not to concur, the bill will be sent to a conference committee to resolve differences.
If the committee is successful, the bill, as resolved, would return to both Houses the following week for approval.
