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"24-Hour Waiting Period
Before an Abortion Act" Signed into Law
Part Two of Three
By Holly Gatling, Executive
Director
SPARTANBURG, S.C. (August 18, 2010)-- Surrounded by dozens of pro-life lawmakers and grassroots activists, South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford signed the 24-Hour Waiting Period Before an Abortion Act that gives women a day to reflect on the life-altering decision they face. The ceremony took place at the Carolina Pregnancy Care Center where visitors were given a tour, including the room where ultrasounds are performed and numerous photographs of babies saved from abortion line the walls. This is the fourth pro-life law Governor Sanford has signed in his eight years in office. Before the 24-hour-waiting period passed in June, abortionists were required to give a woman only one hour after an ultrasound to reflect on her decision. The new law requires the abortionist to give the woman 24 hours to reflect on her decision after receiving information about abortion and alternatives such as adoption. Information about fetal development, where to get a free ultrasound, and alternatives to abortion are now available on the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control website. The one hour waiting period between the ultrasound and the abortion remains in effect. Lisa Van Riper, president of South Carolina Citizens for Life, told the crowd the new law gives dignity to women. "We give dignity to woman when we give as much info as possible before she makes the decision," she said. "It does not show dignity when we fail to give full information." Mrs. Van Riper recalled how she came into the pro-life movement some 20 years ago as a feminist. "I had come to realize that I could not demand rights for myself while denying the right to life for my unborn sisters," she said. She noted that South Carolina Citizens for Life, established in 1974, has worked effectively with moral leaders including pastors, lawyers, teachers, and medical professional; the vast network of pregnancy cares centers; and pro-life lawmakers to enact 11 life-protecting laws in 1992. The number of abortions occurring in South Carolina "has been cut in half," she noted. Ironically, Planned Parenthood of South Carolina issued a statement criticizing the waiting period legislation as "unnecessary" and called on lawmakers to "promote policies" that "reduce the need for abortion." Other pro-life and pro-family groups represented at the ceremony included the S.C. Association of Pregnancy Care Centers, the S.C. Baptist Convention, and the Palmetto Family Council, as well as Karen Floyd, Chairman of the State Republican Party. Please send your comments on Today's News & Views and National Right to Life News Today to daveandrusko@gmail.com. If you like, join those who are following me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/daveha. |
