The battle for abortion rights moves to the Senate
This Action Alert was originally published by the League of Women Voters South Carolina.
We need YOU —and your power as a constituent—as the Senate takes up draconian abortion legislation on September 7.
After thousands of South Carolinians raised their voice in opposition— and hundreds packed the State House— the House of Representatives passed an extreme abortion ban on August 30.
This means that H.5399 will now go to the Senate for debate. South Carolina already has an extreme abortion law on the books. While it was in effect for 6 weeks, the law caused immeasurable harm to the people in our state.
Now we need everyone to call your senator immediately and tell them to vote NO on H. 5399 before the bill is debated on the Senate floor on Wednesday, September 7. Phone calls and in-person meetings are the MOST effective thing you can do to move legislators.
The asks
Before September 7, call —or visit —your senator. Again.
Even if you've called once, call again. (If you can make an in-person connection, that's always ideal!). Ask your personal Senator to vote NO. to H.5399.
Identify yourself as a CONSTITUENT, the most powerful voice there is. A friendly office assistant will answer and note your views.
Pack the State House in a show of opposition.
If you can, join our allies in Columbia:
Senate Medical Affairs Meeting: Tuesday, Sept. 6, 10 am, Gressette Building on the State House grounds, room 105
Full Senate returns to debate the bill: Wednesday, Sept. 7, 10 am, State House lobby, 2nd floor
Both sessions will be live-streamed at SCstatehouse.gov.
The LWVSC position
The League is not asking for additional exceptions to be written into H.5399. Decisions around abortion are the moral right of those who are pregnant and are too complex for a limited array of legislated guidelines and exceptions. Most doctors and theologians from many religious groups agree with us. See our testimony:
8.16.2022 House Special Laws Subcommittee Testimony H.5399
8.17.2022 Senate Medical Affairs Committee Testimony S.1327, S.1373, S.1348
We are asking for a law codifying the protections associated with Roe v. Wade, which guaranteed the moral agency of those who are pregnant up until viability while providing legal protection to a viable fetus after that, with appropriate exceptions. This is consistent with the beliefs of the majority of Americans, which should be the foundation of our laws. Imposing the religious beliefs of some on all, as these bills do, is religious establishment, prohibited by federal and state Constitutions.