The House Judiciary Committee's Domestic Relations, Business & Probate Laws Subcommittee convened on March 4, 2025, to discuss House Bill 3457, which proposes an extreme abortion ban in South Carolina. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the potential health implications of such legislation, drawing on data from Texas, the first state to implement a similar ban.

A medical professional presented alarming statistics indicating that after Texas enacted its extreme abortion ban, rates of sepsis during pregnancy increased by approximately threefold. Additionally, the rates of ICU admissions for pregnant patients experiencing ruptured membranes nearly quintupled. The speaker emphasized the life-threatening nature of these situations, highlighting the difficult decisions healthcare providers face regarding patient intervention.

The testimony concluded with a strong call to oppose House Bill 3457, underscoring the potential risks to maternal health associated with the proposed legislation. The committee members were urged to consider these serious health concerns as they deliberate on the bill.

The meeting underscored the ongoing debate surrounding reproductive health legislation in South Carolina, with significant implications for both healthcare providers and patients. As discussions continue, the committee will weigh the medical evidence presented against the proposed legal changes.