A group of South Carolina Republicans are planning to reintroduce a bill that would define abortion as homicide, punishable by death under state law. The South Carolina Prenatal Equal Protection Act was pre-filed by State Rep. Rob Harris and will be introduced in January. The bill aims to amend the state’s criminal code to include unborn children at any stage of development as persons, making all abortions homicide with few exceptions. The bill could lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty for those who undergo abortions.
While the bill includes exceptions for spontaneous miscarriages and life-saving procedures, it has sparked national outrage for considering capital punishment for abortion providers and patients. The bill’s earlier version in 2023 faced criticism and was ultimately dropped after lawmakers removed their support following public outcry.
The new version of the bill has six co-sponsors, all white men and members of the South Carolina Freedom Caucus, who represent the extreme sector of the Republican Party. Many believe that the bill is unlikely to pass due to its controversial nature and lack of support within the anti-abortion movement and larger political landscape. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic’s director of public affairs, Vicki Ringer, expressed concerns about the bill’s implications for women and trans people, highlighting the unequal protection it provides to fetuses and embryos over individuals seeking abortions.
While the bill is expected to face opposition, there are still concerns about the introduction of such extreme legislation and its potential impact on reproductive rights in the state.
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