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Hundreds testify as South Carolina subcommittee hears debate over near‑total abortion ban
Summary
The House Constitutional Law Subcommittee heard hours of public testimony for and against HB 34‑57 (the Human Life Protection Act). Medical groups warned the bill would endanger patients and worsen OB‑GYN shortages; supporters urged the measure to 'protect life.' No committee vote was taken.
The South Carolina House Constitutional Law Subcommittee convened a lengthy public hearing on HB 34‑57, the Human Life Protection Act, where hundreds of residents, medical professionals and advocates offered largely opposing testimony but the committee took no vote.
Chair Jay Jordan opened the session by saying the meeting was intended to gather public comment and that committee members would not necessarily advance the bill that day. Supporters argued the measure recognizes life at conception and would stop abortion being used as birth control, while opponents — including many practicing obstetricians, pediatricians and public‑health advocates — said the proposed law would criminalize medical care, worsen the state’s maternal‑health crisis and force patients to seek care out of state.
Opponents emphasized clinical and safety concerns. Dr.…
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