State representatives argued during last week's budget debate that South Carolina has not seen “significant changes” in abortion since the heart rate bill was upheld by the state Supreme Court.
But a review of preliminary data from the Department of Health and Environmental Control, which tracks abortion data, shows that all men had abortions in South Carolina the month after the state Supreme Court ruled on the second version of the Legislature's heart rate bill. was shown to have decreased by 78%. It was constitutional.
Nevertheless, during House budget deliberations, the conservative House Freedom Caucus tried to block the state from accepting $31.4 million in federal family planning funds during a debate between two conservative lawmakers. There wasn't.
“I think this is important for those of us in the field who value life before it's born,” said state Rep. Josiah Magnuson (R-Spartanburg).
“We shouldn't do business with something that is evil, something that promotes darkness, and that's exactly what abortion is,” Magnuson said of the amendment barring states from accepting federal funds for family planning. I submitted a proposal.
Even though organizations such as Planned Parenthood are not allowed to use federal funds to provide abortions except in cases of rape, incest, or to protect the health and life of the mother; Abortion opponents argue that funding is fungible and that federal funds allow organizations to perform abortions. Provide abortions to free up other cash for surgeries.
Planned Parenthood provides other services in addition to abortions, and says most of its medical services are paid for with donations.
The claim that there are no major changes
The state Supreme Court last year upheld the state's abortion ban, which typically prohibits abortions after a heartbeat is detected around six weeks after birth, when most women are unaware they are pregnant. The law includes exceptions for rape, incest, babies with fatal fetal abnormalities, or to protect the health and life of the mother.
During last week's House budget debate, Mr. Magnuson and state Rep. Jay Kilmartin (R-Lexington) spoke about visiting protesters outside a family planning clinic in Columbia.
Kilmartin said she personally knows Moment of Hope's “sidewalk counselors” who stand outside Planned Parenthood on the days it performs abortions. A Moment of Hope offers counseling about other options and also has her own RV that can provide ultrasounds.
“What I've heard from some of my personal friends is that it's been business as usual ever since we passed the six-week abortion ban. I don't see much change in abortion in South Carolina. “I couldn't do it,” Kilmartin said.
“Do you think the intent of a six-week abortion ban to save lives is because it's not happening now and we're all applauding that bill from voters?” Kilmartin said. added on the floor of the state House.
Kilmartin estimates that 90% of women who come to the clinic that day are coming for an abortion, and the group said that when abortions are performed before and after the six-week law was upheld, the group An average of 30 vehicles are counted per day.
“I'm part of the family planning system in Colombia. Actually, I don't know if it's me, but it seems busier than usual. There are more family planning system volunteers, so it's actually kinder.” Chaos ,” Kilmartin said.
What does the data show?
Despite those estimates, the number of abortions per month has declined since the state Supreme Court upheld an updated fetal heart rate bill in August, according to preliminary data obtained by The State Journal.
Preliminary data shows more abortions were performed in South Carolina in 2023 than in 2022, but the state's previous 20-week law has been in place for eight months, and out-of-state travelers had visited the Palmetto State as a destination where abortions were less likely to occur.
In August 2023, 748 abortions were performed in South Carolina. That same month, the state Supreme Court ruled that the six-week abortion ban was constitutional and could be enforced after a three-month stay. Only 161 abortions were performed in the state in September 2023, a 78% decrease from the previous month.
In October, 201 abortions were performed, in November 177 and in December 207.
In September 2022, 784 abortions were performed in South Carolina. 755 were conducted in October 2022. 823 inches in November 2022; And by December 2022, the number will be 851.
The last numbers released by DHEC are preliminary data provided to lawmakers at their request. However, the numbers have not yet been finalized and verified and are not included in the annual report. Data for 2024 is not available.
Vicky Ringer, spokesperson for P.family relationships south atlantic He said Moment of Hope's vehicle count was “very concerning” and said the 90% estimate was just a guess by the group.
Family planning is more than just performing abortions at the clinic. Planned Parenthood provides prenatal and postnatal care, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, pregnancy testing, contraception, health and preventive care, among other services.
Women may not be able to get an abortion, but when they go to Planned Parenthood they come in for an ultrasound to see how far along it is, and Planned Parenthood can send the woman to North Carolina. North Carolina bans abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy.
“In the early stages of pregnancy, no one knows because we don't know that someone is pregnant. Someone could be stopping by to pick up a prescription for contraceptives, or someone could be stopping by our health center. There are many reasons why people come,” Ringer said.