Reactions to the new six-week abortion ban act in South Carolina
Gov. Henry McMaster signed S.474, the Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act, into law on May 25.
The act prohibits abortions after six weeks. Exceptions are made for the life or health of the mother, medical emergencies, and fatal fetal anomalies. Abortions are permitted up to twelve weeks of pregnancy in cases of rape or incest.
Read more: Gov. McMaster signs Fetal Heartbeat Bill into law
U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) criticized the act for requiring miscarriages and rapes to be reported to South Carolina.
"As a survivor of rape, I can't tell you how disappointed I am to see South Carolina and other states mandating that miscarriages are reported in South Carolina with this bill," she said. "I support the exceptions for rape and incest, but I do not support the requirement where rapes are reported to a state agency."
Mace questioned how the government would be able to keep the information about women's health private and emphasized the government should not have access to this information.
Read more: How the new six-week abortion ban bill compares to the previous version
"We need to show as conservatives, because I'm a pro-life Republican, that we are pro-women and pro-life," Mace said. "That means not requiring draconian reporting requirements for women and girls who are victims of rape, victims of incest or who have had miscarriages or a fetal abnormality."
Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America praised South Carolina for the act in a press release.
Read more: Haley commits to federal abortion ban but says it's unlikely without more Republicans
"25 states now have laws to protect life between conception and 12 weeks," said Marjorie Dannenfelser, the president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, said in a statement. "Not even a full year after Dobbs, the pro-life movement can celebrate "that we are at the halfway point in the states thanks to the incredible momentum we have seen in North Carolina, South Carolina and Nebraska in just the last week and a half."
"Today, we congratulate South Carolina on becoming the 23rd state to protect babies with a heartbeat," she continued in her statement. "The way Gov. McMaster and pro-life legislators persisted to get a heartbeat protection across the finish line this year is a reflection of their compassion, respect for the people’s will, and adherence to the science. Every year, thousands more irreplaceable South Carolinians will be allowed to live and discover that unique purpose in this world which only they can fulfill."
South Carolina House Democrats voiced opposition to the act on Twitter.
"Behind closed doors, Gov. Henry McMaster took away women's freedom and signed a deeply unpopular bill into law," the tweet reads.
The Women's Rights & Empowerment Network (WREN) also took to Twitter to speak out against the act.
"This is heartbreaking news," the tweet reads. "WREN will continue to fight for the health, economic well-being, and rights of the people of South Carolina. The movement for reproductive freedom and gender justice is strong and growing, and we won’t back down."
The National Right to Life and South Carolina Citizens for Life spoke in favor of the law in a press release.
"We thank and praise pro-life Gov. McMaster for signing the Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act,” said Carol Tobias, the president of National Right to Life, in a statement. "South Carolina's new law will save hundreds of lives each month. We also praise our South Carolina affiliate, South Carolina Citizens for Life, for their hard work and diligence in seeing this bill pass and become law."
"We applaud Gov. Henry McMaster, a long-time pro-life supporter for signing into law the Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act," said Lisa Van Riper, the president of South Carolina Citizens for Life, in an statement. "This act not only protects unborn children with a detectable heartbeat from abortion on demand, but also signals that the child in the womb is a welcome member of our society."
Read more: Planned Parenthood, others, file lawsuit against S.C. newly signed abortion ban
Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette thanked those who helped the legislation become a law on Twitter.
"The Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act was signed into law today," she tweeted. "Thank you to everyone who played a role in the most important piece of legislation that protects the most innocent."
A lawsuit against the act was filed by Planned Parenthood, which can be viewed here.
