Legislators in South Carolina propose the death penalty for abortion

by Samantha J Rice | Mar 22, 2023 | Latest, Social Justice | 0 comments

Abortion is a topic that has always been controversial, and now it’s sparked a heated debate in South Carolina. In a new bill proposed by lawmakers, abortions could carry the punishment of death. Yes, you read that right – the death penalty for terminating a pregnancy. This proposal has many people stunned and outraged as they question the legality and morality behind such extreme measures.

“Imagine the unimaginable- a state where women could face the death penalty for making choices about their own bodies. That’s exactly what South Carolina lawmakers are proposing with a new bill that aims to criminalize abortions in all cases, even rape and incest. As the nation watches this controversial legislation unfold, it raises questions about reproductive rights, government control over personal decisions, and the value of human life. In this blog post, we’ll explore the latest developments on this heated topic and discuss why such extreme measures warrant attention from every American.

The bill is similar to one that was proposed in Texas last year, but did not make it through the legislature. If passed, South Carolina would become the first state in the nation to enact such a law.
Abortion rights advocates have already denounced the bill, calling it unconstitutional and dangerous. They argue that it would criminalize women and doctors, and put women’s lives at risk. They also point out that there are already laws on the books that make it a crime to harm or kill a pregnant woman.

Critics of the bill say that it is nothing more than a political stunt designed to score points with conservative voters. They argue that it is highly unlikely to pass constitutional muster, and even if it did, would almost certainly be overturned by the courts.

“This bill is about protecting the lives of the innocent, and we believe that every life is valuable,” said Rep. Steven Long, one of the bill’s sponsors. “We think it’s important that we stand up for those who can’t speak for themselves.”

Currently, under South Carolina law, abortion is only legal in cases of rape, incest, or when the life of the mother is at risk. This bill would criminalize all abortions, regardless of the circumstances. Women who undergo abortions would be subject to felony charges and up to 10 years in prison. Doctors who perform abortions would be charged with murder and could face the death penalty.

This bill is clearly an attack on women’s rights and access to safe and legal abortion. If it becomes law, it will force women to seek out illegal and dangerous abortions, or forego the procedure altogether. This will put women’s health and lives at risk. It is imperative that this bill does not become law.
This proposed bill is a stark reminder that abortion access in the United States is under constant threat. South Carolina lawmakers are using their power to try to restrict abortion access for those who need it, and this new bill would be an extreme violation of reproductive rights if passed. We must remain vigilant and fight to protect our reproductive freedom, no matter what restrictions are proposed in state legislatures across the country.