South Carolina Senate Bill 323, the “Unborn Child Protection Act,” is an assault on women’s bodily autonomy and their right to receive proper health care for cases that go beyond pregnancy.

This bill was introduced on February 6, 2025, by South Carolina Senators Richard Cash (Anderson County), Rex Rice (Greenville & Pickens Counties), and Billy Garrett (Greenwood, Lexington & Saluda Counties). It is a near-total abortion ban, the only exception being to prevent the death of the pregnant woman, eliminating exceptions for rape, incest, or fatal fetal anomalies. But it completely redefines “contraception” to exclude methods that prevent implantation after fertilization, potentially criminalizing certain forms of birth control. This could not only be detrimental to women who are victims of rape, and or incest, but also over 40% of South Carolina women that rely on contraception for treating conditions such as endometriosis, hormonal regulation, and other medical needs.

Going beyond the obvious medical restrictions, this bill also criminalizes support for minors and threatens free speech. Section 44-41-610 criminalizes assisting a pregnant minor in obtaining an abortion, including transporting them out of state for care. This restricts families’ ability to make urgent medical decisions and puts young girls at risk. Section 44-41-615 criminalizes information or referrals about abortion services, including “providing information to a pregnant woman, or someone seeking information on behalf of a pregnant woman, by telephone, internet, or any other mode of communication regarding self-administered abortions or the means to obtain an abortion.” 

Bill 323 disregards the medical, psychological, and socioeconomic needs of women and girls. It strips survivors of sexual violence of the autonomy and endangers the lives and rights of South Carolina residents that not only rely on the health care this bill is trying to take away, but also the lives of those that stand beside them. 

We urge the South Carolina Senate Medical Affairs Committee to reject Bill 323 at its October 1, 2025, hearing. Protect the health, dignity, and fundamental rights of women and girls in our state. Sign this petition and contact the committee at medaffairs.sc@senate.sc.gov to demand rejection of this harmful legislation.

 Sign now to stand for women’s health and autonomy in South Carolina.