In the past two months, there have been two anti-abortion legislation pieces introduced in the South Carolina House of Representatives. On Tuesday, H. 3457 was in the House Judiciary Committee hearing, with a large audience of citizens in both favor and opposition of this bill.
H. 3457 aims to restrict abortion access by limiting how, why and when women are able to access abortions in South Carolina. This bill also aims to repeal exceptions in cases of rape and incest but does state that there are exemptions for medical emergencies. It also creates a possibility for restriction of contraceptives.
This is not the only bill that would further restrict abortions in the House right now.
H. 3537 is another bill, which aims to change the definition of a person under the law to include fetal personhood and would make abortions illegal at all stages.
Ashley Lidow, the chief strategy officer at the Women’s Rights and Empowerment Network, said while there may be exceptions in this bill, it does not make it any better or safer.
“Exceptions do not work, and we already know this from what’s happening under our restrictive law. People are being sent out of state, providers are being targeted and our communities are being harmed,” Lidow said.
Whether or not exemptions are included, these bills limit healthcare for women and can put them in danger, Lidow said.
“Abortion bans are pro-death. They’re pro-forced abortion, they’re pro-body horror because pregnancy is simply not joyful,” Max Sorgenfrey, a protester, said.
After the conclusion of the committee hearing, many of the attendees joined the protest outside of the Statehouse.
“The majority of people in this tiny little room and in the other tiny overflow room were predominantly opposing this bill. Very few pro-lifers — anti-choice people were in there ... people of faith opposed this bill,” Elaine Cooper, a protester, said.
The protesters lined Gervais Street outside the Statehouse, many holding signs highlighting a variety of issues including abortion rights, continuing Ukraine conflicts, Elon Musk’s governmental responsibilities and more.
This protest is a part of the 50501 Movement, which is a national movement that is fighting to uphold the Constitution and promote individuals speaking out.
This is not the first time that the 50501 Movement has held protests at the South Carolina Statehouse; the first protest for this movement was held on Feb. 5.
These bills also open the door for care providers and those who can get pregnant to be charged with felonies in potential cases involving abortions, Lidow said.
“The bills that they’re trying to pass are absolutely ridiculous because it should be between a woman, a girl and her doctor and not a politician who doesn’t have any medical training at all,” Cathy Radice, a protestor, said.
Both bills are still in the House Judiciary Committee and have yet to make it to the House floor for debate, which can mean fewer people are aware of this bill.
While some individuals are well-informed about this bill’s existence, Emma Philbeck, co-president of Planned Parenthood Generation Action at the University of South Carolina, said this is not the case for everyone.
“I think some people don’t pay attention for a few reasons, like number one: paying attention is scary,” Philbeck said.
Planned Parenthood Generation Action is a nationwide group of activists that work to volunteer and create change within their communities. They are working to raise awareness and combat the bill on a local level, Philbeck said.
“That’s the thing about something like this, is people will think that it’s fine until it starts to affect them personally,” Philbeck said.
Abortion access and anti-abortion legislation were a large reason for a lot of protestors being at the Statehouse today.
“This protest is pretty all-purpose. It is specifically for the anti-abortion and anti-DEI bills that are happening right now," Sorgenfrey said. "What got me out is just the deluge of the attacks on civil rights and the attack on the institutions of the United States."
Protesters voiced a variety of concerns about the current political state, with some highlighting how important it is for people to stay informed and active.
""You've got to take the baton and run with it. And you don't have to agree with me, but for God's sakes, educate yourself and make sure you're voting based on facts and reality." Nancy Tuten, a protestor, said.
Tuten said it’s not just a matter of being educated but also remembering that as a country we need to make decisions that are best for the masses, not just the individuals.
“It’s just that a lot of people have forgotten their light, they’ve forgotten their connection to the rest of humanity,” Tuten said.