Doctor warns South Carolina committee that abortion ban will endanger women's lives
March 04, 2025 | Judiciary, Standing, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative, South Carolina
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In a recent meeting of the South Carolina House Judiciary Committee's Domestic Relations, Business & Probate Laws Subcommittee, significant concerns were raised regarding the implications of proposed abortion legislation, specifically H.3731. The discussions highlighted the potential dangers that banning legal abortion could pose to women and girls, particularly those from marginalized communities.
Dr. Walliver, a key witness, emphasized that while authorities may attempt to ban abortion, the reality is that abortions will continue to occur, albeit in unsafe and clandestine conditions. She pointed out that women with financial means and connections may find safer alternatives, while those who are poor or lack support networks would face increased risks, potentially leading to severe health complications or death. This stark reality echoes historical patterns where restrictive abortion laws have resulted in tragic outcomes for vulnerable populations.
The testimony underscored a critical point: banning abortion does not eliminate the need for it. Instead, it drives the practice underground, where it becomes dangerous. Dr. Walliver urged the subcommittee to consider the historical context, warning that denial of these facts could lead society to repeat past mistakes. She called for the rejection of the bill, arguing that it would likely lead to preventable deaths among women in South Carolina.
The discussion also included a poignant reminder of the past, with references to the dangerous methods women resorted to during times of strict abortion bans, such as the infamous "coat hanger days." This historical perspective served to reinforce the argument against the proposed legislation, highlighting the potential for increased mortality rates among women if the bill were to pass.
As the subcommittee deliberates on H.3731, the implications of their decision extend beyond legal frameworks, touching on the health and safety of women across the state. The meeting concluded with a clear call to action: to prioritize the well-being of women and reject measures that could endanger their lives. The outcome of this legislation remains to be seen, but the discussions have certainly brought to light the critical issues at stake.
Dr. Walliver, a key witness, emphasized that while authorities may attempt to ban abortion, the reality is that abortions will continue to occur, albeit in unsafe and clandestine conditions. She pointed out that women with financial means and connections may find safer alternatives, while those who are poor or lack support networks would face increased risks, potentially leading to severe health complications or death. This stark reality echoes historical patterns where restrictive abortion laws have resulted in tragic outcomes for vulnerable populations.
The testimony underscored a critical point: banning abortion does not eliminate the need for it. Instead, it drives the practice underground, where it becomes dangerous. Dr. Walliver urged the subcommittee to consider the historical context, warning that denial of these facts could lead society to repeat past mistakes. She called for the rejection of the bill, arguing that it would likely lead to preventable deaths among women in South Carolina.
The discussion also included a poignant reminder of the past, with references to the dangerous methods women resorted to during times of strict abortion bans, such as the infamous "coat hanger days." This historical perspective served to reinforce the argument against the proposed legislation, highlighting the potential for increased mortality rates among women if the bill were to pass.
As the subcommittee deliberates on H.3731, the implications of their decision extend beyond legal frameworks, touching on the health and safety of women across the state. The meeting concluded with a clear call to action: to prioritize the well-being of women and reject measures that could endanger their lives. The outcome of this legislation remains to be seen, but the discussions have certainly brought to light the critical issues at stake.
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