SCOTUS has ended Roe v. Wade federal constitutional protections for reproductive rights, voting along partisan and religious denominational lines, by denying that there is a constitutionally protected right to privacy.
The State House responds
The Governor has called for a no-exceptions abortion ban, even for the life of the mother. The General Assembly has responded.
- In the House, Jay Lucas and others have filed anti-abortion bill H.5399. It is a placeholder but would “prohibit abortions in the State of South Carolina” without exceptions, even for the life of the mother.
- In the Senate, pro-choice advocates have filed an alternative bill S.1348 that would protect reproductive rights. While General Assembly leadership isn’t likely to support a hearing for this bill, it illustrates what protecting the bodily autonomy of women and the moral agency of all pregnant persons would look like.
House committee chair Rep. McCravy has scheduled a first meeting of the House Ad Hoc Committee on July 7, at noon. No agenda has been set.
Senate leadership does not intend to follow up until later summer or fall.
Impact and implications
- Abortion is essential health care that allows people to decide what’s best for their bodies and their futures.
- Abortion access should be available and accessible for everyone, no matter their identity, circumstances, or location.
- Abortion restrictions disproportionately impact people of color, marginalized communities, and young people. Those who already face discriminatory obstacles to health care—Black, Indigenous, and other people of color; women; people with disabilities; people in rural areas; young people; undocumented people, and those having difficulty making ends meet —would be most affected.
- No one should be criminalized or targeted for pregnancy outcomes and making their own decisions about their bodies and futures. People have been self-managing their abortions safely and effectively— both with pills and other options—for hundreds of years. The real threat of criminalization unfairly targets marginalized communities.
LWVSC partners with Healthy Families Coalition
Lynn Teague (LWVSC VP, Issues and Advocacy) and JoAnne Day (LWVSC Director, State Program) are working with the Healthy Families Coalition on both lobbying and organizing to oppose H.5399 and take other actions, as needed, to protect reproductive rights.
Lynn has been asked to assist a group of concerned clergy who wish to testify against legislative control of abortion as embodied in H.5399.
Outraged? You're not alone.
We will notify you ASAP to solicit constituent testimony. The LWVSC will provide testimony and assist other groups offering official or member testimony.
We will develop and promote public education resources with guidance from Planned Parenthood and other reproductive health specialist organizations.
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In defense of reproductive rights in SC
Both the LWVUS national position and state LWVSC position affirm the right of privacy and autonomy to make reproductive choices.
The SC Constitution supports this right.
- SC Constitutional right of privacy: SECTION 10. Searches and seizures; invasions of privacy.
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures and unreasonable invasions of privacy shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, the person or thing to be seized, and the information to be obtained. (1970 (56) 2684; 1971 (57) 315.) - SC Constitutional establishment cause:SECTION 2. Religious freedom; freedom of speech; right of assembly and petition.The General Assembly shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government or any department thereof for a redress of grievances. (1970 (56) 2684; 1971 (57) 315.)
Get ready to do all you can to stop the bans!
Resources
LWVSC 2022 testimonies regarding Women's Reproductive Rights
Article: People of All Religions Use Birth Control and Have Abortions
Article: The Intersection of Abortion and Black Maternal Health
