Office of the South Carolina Legislature

South Carolina State House

1100 Gervais Street

Columbia, SC 29201

Dear Members of the South Carolina Legislature,

I am writing on behalf of Pietas Coalition, a coalition dedicated to combating the sexual exploitation of minors across South Carolina. We are urging the South Carolina Legislature to formally consider updating state statutes and official communications to replace the term “child pornography” with the more accurate and survivor-centered term, “child sexual abuse material” (CSAM).

The term “child pornography” is misleading. It suggests consensual involvement, when in fact, every instance of this material depicts the documented abuse and exploitation of a child; a criminal act that leaves lasting trauma on its victims. Children cannot consent to sexual activity, and language that implies otherwise risks minimizing the severity of the abuse and distorting public understanding of these crimes.

The adoption of the term “child sexual abuse material” has been widely supported by child protection experts, law enforcement agencies, legal scholars, and survivor-led advocacy groups. Organizations such as the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children (ICMEC), and ECPAT International have all championed this change, and numerous U.S. states and federal offices are beginning to implement it in their policies and public education efforts.

By aligning South Carolina’s legal and legislative language with this survivor-affirming terminology, we send a clear message that our state recognizes:

The inherent violence and illegality of these materials,

The rights and dignity of survivors, and

The urgent need to strengthen public awareness and legal clarity around this issue.

As your avid supporter and partner in children's justice, we have also complemented existing legislation with public education campaigns. We respectfully urge your office to consider proposing or supporting legislation that updates this terminology in state codes, legal frameworks, and any related educational or enforcement materials. This change is more than semantics, it is an essential step toward justice, accuracy, and advocacy for those most vulnerable.

Thank you for your continued commitment to protecting South Carolina’s children. We would be honored to discuss this further with your office at your convenience.

NOVEMBER 2, 2025, UPDATE: At the recent Pietas Coalition 'Communities Against Trafficking' walk-a-thon, we gathered an additional 7 unique signatures; rounding out the total to 26 signatures. 

With deepest respect,

Your South Carolina Community Leaders