January 13, 2026
By If/When/How

On Wednesday, January 14th, a sub-committee of South Carolina legislators will hear two bills H.4760, the attack on medication abortion bill, and H. 3537 aka the death penalty bill.

Our state partners WREN and Palmetto State Abortion Fund are calling for us to help stop these bills as swiftly as possible.The sooner we shut down these harmful attempts to punish people for seeking an abortion or supporting someone to do so, the better.

First, let’s break down H.4760. This legislation would:

  • Classifies abortion medication as a Schedule IV substance, creating the false perception that it is dangerous and requires additional regulation.
  • Creates felony charges for the delivery, possession, and distribution of abortion medication.
  • Increases police and surveillance of pregnancy.
  • Cuts off access to safe, evidence-based abortion medication.
  • Pushes people toward unsafe or delayed care.

H.3537, while heinous, will most likely not move forward. This bill is meant to grab attention and make H.4760 seem reasonable and moderate. It:

  • Defines a fertilized egg as a “person.”
  • Allows homicide charges , even the death penalty, for abortion and abortion care.
  • Threatens miscarriage and still birth care, IVF, birth control, and emergency treatment.

As per usual, the anti-abortion lawmakers in South Carolina continue to play the “we care about the health and safety of women” card, pointing at the legislation and saying that the pregnant person is protected.

It’s a lie. It’s an attack on abortion, plain and simple. 

We’ve seen it in the cases we’ve litigated and the clients we’ve defended. 

Trying to access abortion with bans and barriers on the books requires support from trusted communities and loved ones. Republicans are just repackaging their attempts to criminalize abortion seekers and their support networks in a pill that is easier for voters to swallow. Don’t be fooled: medication abortion is safe. The real danger to our health and safety is cutting off abortion access for people in South Carolina.

If South Carolina lawmakers are going to entertain this hearing on these harmful bills, then let’s make sure to be heard.

→ South Carolinians:

  • Attend the hearing: Wednesday, January 14 at 12 PM, Statehouse, Blatt Building, Room 110
  • Contact your lawmakers: Write them or call the House Judiciary at (803) 734-3120.
  • Provide testimony: Email written testimony to HJudConstitutionalLaws@schouse.gov. Verbal testimony will likely be first come, first served for each bill. Plan to arrive early and sign up for the bill(s) you want to speak on.
  • Make sure you know your rights. If you have questions about abortion in South Carolina or need to talk to a lawyer, contact our Repro Legal Helpline at 844-868-2812.

→ No matter where you are: