South Carolina Republican Lawmakers Push Extreme Abortion Legislation, Sparking Outrage Statewide
By CC News Network
Some South Carolina Republican lawmakers are renewing efforts to pass a piece of legislation that critics are calling one of the most extreme in the nation. The “South Carolina Prenatal Equal Protection Act of 2023,” first introduced on Jan. 10, 2023, would allow prosecutors to charge women who obtain abortions with homicide—potentially making them eligible for the death penalty in a state that continues to enforce capital punishment.
The bill seeks to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by expanding the definition of “person” to include unborn fetuses at any stage of development. This change would classify abortion as “willful prenatal homicide,” placing women who undergo the procedure in the same legal category as those accused of murder.
A Return to the Dark Ages?
The proposed legislation has reignited fierce debates about abortion rights and criminal justice. While South Carolina already has some of the strictest abortion laws in the country, this measure goes beyond restricting access. It opens the door for the criminal prosecution of women making deeply personal medical decisions—potentially subjecting them to the death penalty.
“What kind of dystopian nightmare are we living in where lawmakers think this is acceptable?” said one critic during a public forum. “This is not about protecting life; it’s about controlling women.”
No Exceptions for Rape or Incest
The bill does allow exceptions for abortions performed to prevent the death or serious injury of the mother, but it does not include exceptions for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest. This lack of exceptions has drawn sharp condemnation, even from some within the pro-life movement.
“I’m pro-life, but this is not the way,” said a prominent South Carolina Republican lawmaker lawmaker who chose to remain anonymous. “Charging women with homicide? That’s not pro-life—it’s insanity.”
Political Fallout
When the bill was first introduced in 2023, it gained national attention but stalled in committee. Despite this, some Republican lawmakers are determined to keep it alive. However, even within their own ranks, support has wavered. Several co-sponsors have since withdrawn their backing, citing concerns over the bill’s extremity.
Critics have pointed to the proposed legislation as an example of how far-right policies are alienating voters. “This kind of legislation shows just how out of touch some Republicans have become,” said a political analyst. “They are pandering to a fringe base at the expense of their broader constituency.”
South Carolina Students Slam Abortion Bill: “It’s Ridiculous”
As the “South Carolina Prenatal Equal Protection Act of 2023” faces renewed attention, students at the University of South Carolina are speaking out, calling the proposed legislation extreme, outdated, and dangerous. CC News Network reached out to several students for their reaction, and the response was overwhelming.
“It’s absolutely ridiculous,” said Emma Green, a political science junior at USC. “Charging women with homicide for seeking healthcare is not just cruel—it’s completely out of touch with reality. Women deserve support, not the threat of a death sentence.”
Ben Carter, a senior studying law, was equally outraged. “This bill sets a terrifying precedent. Expanding the definition of a ‘person’ to include a fetus opens the door for prosecuting women and even healthcare providers under homicide laws. It’s a slippery slope, and honestly, it’s embarrassing for South Carolina.”
For sophomore nursing major Julia Martinez, the bill feels like a personal attack. “As someone who wants to work in healthcare, this bill terrifies me. It’s bad enough that abortion access is already restricted, but now they want to criminalize women? What happens if someone has a miscarriage? Will they have to prove it wasn’t intentional?”
Students also expressed concerns about how the legislation reflects on the state. “South Carolina is already behind on so many issues, from education to healthcare access,” said Devin Walker, a freshman in public health. “Bills like this make us look backward and hostile. It’s not the kind of reputation we should want.”
Some have even gone out on social media to express their concern.
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A National Spotlight
The bill has drawn condemnation from across the country. Legal experts warn it could set a dangerous precedent by criminalizing reproductive healthcare. Advocacy groups have highlighted the disproportionate impact such measures could have on low-income women and communities of color, who already face significant barriers to healthcare access.
Pro-choice organizations and women’s rights advocates are mobilizing against the bill, calling it a “blatant attack on women.” Protesters have flooded statehouses, holding signs that read, “Protect Women, Not Politics,” and “My Body, Not Your Execution.”
Where Does It Go From Here?
Despite its lack of progress so far, the “South Carolina Prenatal Equal Protection Act” remains a troubling symbol of the lengths some lawmakers are willing to go to restrict abortion. With abortion rights a hot-button issue nationwide, this legislation could influence similar proposals in other conservative states.
For now, the bill languishes in committee, but the fact that it exists at all is cause for alarm. “This is a chilling reminder of how fragile women’s rights can be,” said one activist. “We must remain vigilant and continue to fight back.”
As South Carolina lawmakers consider reviving this controversial measure, many are left wondering: Have they gone off the deep end?
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