Hundreds protest in Fort Mill against proposed tougher abortion restrictions in SC

FORT MILL, S.C. — Hundreds of people protested in Fort Mill Thursday to speak out against proposed tougher restrictions on abortion introduced in the state legislature.

Most of the demonstrators were too young to vote but they still wanted to be heard.

“We have a voice,” said Emily Meltzer, a protest organizer. “The youth has a voice. The elderly have a voice and everyone in Fort Mill has a voice.”

A bill proposed earlier this week would make most abortions illegal in South Carolina. It does not include exemptions in cases of incest or rape.

If passed, health care workers who perform abortions could spend up to 25 years behind bars.

The proposal comes days after South Carolina’s heartbeat bill took effect. That bill restricts abortions after about six weeks into a pregnancy.

“I’m representing my district but also representing what I believe to be what is true and what is moral and right,” said Sen. Richard Cash, a co-sponsor of the newly proposed legislation.

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The bill is far from a done deal. It still needs to pass the state House and Senate and get the governor’s signature before becoming law.

“It’s time that we as women become individuals that can decide for our own bodies and our own rights,” said Rachel Smothers, a protest organizer.

Organizers said they’re also fighting for rights over gay marriage and continued access to contraceptives.

After the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Justice Clarence Thomas suggested the Supreme Court could revisit past decisions that federally protect access to birth control and gay rights.

If the Supreme Court strikes down those decisions, it would be up to each state to make its own rules.

“Me and my wife just got married and we’re afraid our rights are going to be taken away and we’re not going to be married anymore,” Smother said.

Cash said access to contraception needs to change.

“Abortions are done using the pill and done in early stages so this protects babies prior to the point in development where they have a beating heart,” he said.

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What overturning Roe v. Wade means for South Carolinians

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