Hundreds Rally During S.323 Testimony, But the Fight Isn’t Over
South Carolinians from all over the state showed up to send clear messages to lawmakers. At the end of the day, the bill's future remained uncertain.
byIUSC Staff
On October 1, the SC Senate Medical Affairs Committee invited public and expert testimony surrounding S. 323, a proposed near-total abortion ban, more than two years after a similar proposal failed to pass the chamber. S. 323 was introduced early this year by Sen. Richard Cash, a Republican from Anderson (seated, left, in the picture below). Co-sponsors are Rex Rice (R-Pickens) and Billy Garrett (R-Greenwood).
Hundreds of protesters gathered on the state house grounds outside the Gressette Building as lawmakers held a public hearing inside. Demonstrators carried signs, chanted, and joined a rally organized by Planned Parenthood and allied groups opposing the measure. The hearing lasted into the evening without a vote.
One protestor’s takeaway
Update resident Lisa Walters made the trip to Columbia. “The weather was perfect,” she said. “We had a far larger turnout than the counter protestors, and the police did a good job taking care of us. Batman and Spider-Man even showed up, and we appreciated them being there.
“The speakers were all really good! The doctors and politicians really had us fired up, but the one who most spoke to my heart was the last speaker. She was just one of us. Her story was also our story… [and] was the most touching and personal.”
This speaker was Dorchester County resident Kasey Ann Freeman, a sexual assault and rape victim deeply disturbed by the resulting trauma of forcing victims to birth the children of their rapist. This heart-wrenching speech will soon be shared in full on the IUSC blog.
It’s not over
The future of South Carolina’s proposed near-total abortion ban remains uncertain. Cash said he plans to hold another session to refine the bill but does not expect to hear additional public testimony.
Thankfully, there’s been pushback from both parties, and, even though some lawmakers say there isn’t enough support to move the new bill forward once the full legislative session begins in January 2026, advocacy groups urge residents to continue contacting lawmakers to voice opposition—now.
The ACLU of South Carolina has created a form to connect you with the Senate Medical Affairs Committee members, along with an outline to get you started. Access it here.
For additional information and perspectives on S. 323, see these previous IUSC articles:
> What’s Really Inside the “Unborn Child Protection Act”
> When My IUD Became a Political Question: Beatrice’s Story
> The Diocese and My Uterus: Danielle’s Story
> Justice Demands Safe, Legal Care for Women in SC
Share:
The IUSC blog exists to elevate SC voices, provide trustworthy information about key political issues, and help empathy-driven citizens mobilize and thrive. Visit our Website Content and Editorial Policies page for complete information.