I am writing to express my opposition to SP 323 and to share why I believe this legislation takes the wrong approach to an issue far deeper than any single bill can address. Abortion is not the root problem in our state or our country—it is a symptom of a society that has made it extraordinarily difficult for many women to envision a stable, supported path to raising a child.
Instead of focusing on punitive or restrictive measures, we should be confronting the real barriers that drive so many expectant mothers into impossible choices. Too many women face an overwhelming lack of affordable housing, unaffordable daycare, low-paying jobs with no support, and a patchwork of food assistance programs that simply do not meet the needs of struggling families. When society fails to provide the basic foundation that allows a mother—especially a single mother—to survive and thrive, it is no surprise that many feel they have no viable alternative.
If we truly want to reduce the number of abortions, the solution is not SP 323. The solution is to create a South Carolina where raising a child is not a burden carried alone, but a supported, realistic, and hopeful choice. That means investing in stable housing programs, expanding access to reliable and affordable childcare, improving food assistance, and ensuring that women are not punished for trying to bring a child into the world under difficult circumstances.
Legislation should uplift families, not place them under greater strain. SP 323 fails to address the root causes of why women—particularly single mothers—struggle in the first place. I urge our lawmakers to redirect their efforts toward policies that make parenthood feasible, supported, and dignified for all.
Thank you for taking the time to hear my concerns. I hope they will be considered as you move forward
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