The overwhelmingly male state legislature finally passed the “fetal heartbeat” bill after years of chipping away at women’s access to health care in South Carolina. The legislation, which effectively bans abortion in the Palmetto State, will face a legal challenge, costing the state money it cannot afford.

It speaks volumes about the legislature’s priorities that this is what lawmakers are jamming through in the middle of a pandemic and the challenges it poses for education, health care, and the economy.

The SC Progressive Network turned out Feb. 17 at the State House to support WREN, Planned Parenthood, and other allies working to protect women’s reproductive rights.