The South Carolina House Judiciary Committee convened on March 4, 2025, to discuss House Bill 3457, a proposed total abortion ban that has sparked significant public outcry. The meeting featured emotional testimonies from individuals opposing the bill, highlighting the potential dangers it poses to women's health and personal autonomy.

Tori Nardone, a mother who recently experienced a tragic pregnancy loss, shared her harrowing story of being forced to leave the state to seek necessary medical care after discovering severe fetal abnormalities. Nardone expressed deep concern that the proposed legislation would exacerbate the already challenging circumstances surrounding abortion access in South Carolina, particularly for families facing similar situations. She urged lawmakers to reject the bill, emphasizing the need to protect the rights and health of women and families.

Her mother, Tinka Chapin, also spoke against the bill, criticizing the lack of medical expertise among its sponsors. Chapin argued that decisions regarding women's health should be informed by medical professionals rather than personal beliefs, asserting that the bill disregards the complexities of individual circumstances.

In contrast, Hayden Lay, a pro-life advocate and leader of Pro Life Greenville, voiced support for the bill, framing abortion as a moral issue and calling for its abolition. Lay highlighted recent electoral trends in South Carolina, suggesting that voters favor stricter abortion laws.

The meeting underscored the deep divisions within the community regarding abortion legislation, with passionate arguments on both sides. As the committee continues to deliberate, the implications of House Bill 3457 remain a focal point of concern for many South Carolinians, reflecting broader national debates on reproductive rights. The committee's decision will be closely watched as it could significantly impact women's health care and personal freedoms in the state.