The South Carolina Senate Finance Committee's Natural Resources and Economic Development Subcommittee held a budget hearing on March 12, 2025, focusing on proposed legislation aimed at supporting pregnancy care centers through tax credits. The meeting featured testimonies from various stakeholders, highlighting both support and opposition to the bill.

One of the primary advocates, representing a mobile pregnancy center, emphasized the potential benefits of the bill, stating it could encourage more donations and allow for an expansion of services from three to five days a week. This expansion aims to provide greater support to families in need.

Connolly Ann Ragley from the Department of Social Services expressed hope that the legislation would motivate pregnancy care centers to collaborate more closely with her agency. She stressed the importance of prevention services to help families in crisis, suggesting that the bill could serve as a catalyst for increased involvement from these centers.

Conversely, Vicki Ringer from Planned Parenthood voiced strong opposition to the bill, arguing that it disproportionately favors one type of nonprofit organization that does not provide comprehensive medical care. She pointed out South Carolina's alarming maternal and infant mortality rates and criticized the bill for potentially diverting funds away from essential healthcare services. Ringer urged the committee to reconsider the allocation of tax credits, advocating for a more equitable approach to maternal health funding.

Ayanna White, representing the nonprofit Power in Changing, highlighted the issue of diaper insecurity and called for amendments to the bill to include organizations like hers that support families post-birth. She argued that the current language of the bill could exclude vital services that help families thrive.

John Mark Porter, a CPA and board chairman of a nonprofit, expressed support for the bill while suggesting areas for improvement. He noted that tax credits should encourage positive behaviors and that the proposed legislation aligns with this goal.

The hearing underscored the complexities surrounding maternal health support in South Carolina, with advocates calling for a balanced approach that addresses both immediate needs and long-term healthcare solutions. The committee's next steps will be crucial in determining the future of this legislation and its potential impact on families across the state.