Coalition Launches Petition Drive to Repeal South Carolina Abortion Ban

Coalition Launches Petition Drive to Repeal South Carolina Abortion Ban
The campaign aims to reach all 46 counties in South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. — A coalition of community and advocacy organizations from across the state are launching a petition campaign to repeal the abortion ban in South Carolina today. Repeal the Ban SC is working to collect signatures from all 46 counties before the end of the 2024 legislative season. South Carolina does not allow voters to directly introduce ballot initiatives. The petition aims to demonstrate the wide public support for abortion access across the state and urge the legislature to repeal South Carolina’s current abortion ban.

Most abortions are banned in South Carolina under the current law, with care only available in the earliest stages of pregnancy when many people don’t yet know they are pregnant. Since the abortion ban went into effect in August 2023, thousands of South Carolinians have been denied essential health care in their home state. Today, most South Carolinians who need abortion care are forced to travel out of state, seek abortion outside the health care system, or suffer the life-altering consequences of continuing a pregnancy against their will.

This petition drive is the next step in a long fight to protect the reproductive freedom of South Carolinians. Advocates statewide have been fighting this cruel and unjust law since its first introduction. Despite some legislative and legal setbacks, members of the coalition remain deeply committed to overturning this ban.

Numerous polls show that the American public – including South Carolinians – overwhelmingly support abortion access, and they deserve to have their views represented in the State House. Polling has shown that about 85% of those polled believe that the government should stay out of these personal, private decisions between patients and doctors. Only 12% of residents believe abortion should be banned, yet 69% of South Carolina legislators voted to ban abortion in 2023.

Members of the coalition include the American Civil Liberties Union of South Carolina, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, League of Women Voters of South Carolina, the Palmetto State Abortion Fund, and Planned Parenthood Votes! South Atlantic.

South Carolinians can sign the petition online at RepealTheBanSC.org.

Statements from coalition members

“This abortion ban has been in effect less than six months and we are already witnessing the devastating consequences, just like we warned. And worse, in a state that already ranks poorly on all measures of public health, the people being hurt the most are those who already face often-insurmountable barriers to health care – people with low incomes, people of color, LGBTQ people, and those who live in rural areas. South Carolina’s legislators seem to think they don’t have to be accountable to the people of South Carolina, so we will bring the people’s voices to them. South Carolinians deserve better leadership – and they deserve access to life-saving, essential health care.”

    Vicki Ringer, Director of Public Policy
    Planned Parenthood Votes! South Atlantic

“The League of Women Voters has long advocated for reproductive rights and body autonomy for women—and all people. When women can't control their own bodies, they can't control their lives and are denied equal rights and equal opportunity to participate in our democracy. Reproductive rights, equal rights, and freedom in a democratic society are all interconnected.

    Nancy L. Williams, President
    League of Women Voters of South Carolina

“Since South Carolina’s ban went into effect last September, we have supported growing numbers of people who have been forced to travel out of state for the essential health care they need. We’ve always known that banning abortion doesn’t stop abortion. It only makes it more difficult and more expensive to access – which disproportionately harms people who are already struggling. South Carolina’s legislators should be focused on helping South Carolina families, not adding to their burdens.“

    Ashlyn Preaux, Executive Director
    Palmetto State Abortion Fund

”South Carolina's abortion ban is a clear illustration of the disconnect between public policy and the will of the public in our state. Most South Carolinians don't want the government interfering in our healthcare decisions, but extremist lawmakers from gerrymandered districts have forced their beliefs on us all. It's past time to take back control of our own bodies.”

    Jace Woodrum, Executive Director
    American Civil Liberties Union of South Carolina