SC Abortion Bill

Everyone knows US laws are numerous and confusing, and here's one that is no less wordy and bewildering than the others...

No feminist can ignore the fight for reproductive rights. Despite personal views on life and death or time of conception, women should not be prevented from exercising their rights to control their bodies. Honestly, if men could give birth, do you think we'd be having so much trouble?

Here in South Carolina, it's tough to get the growing number of conservatives to see it our way. And just yesterday, both houses of the SC legislature passed a new bill (HB 3245) that diminshes our right to an abortion. It is awaiting the signature of our governor.

I'm going to try to explain what the implication is due to this decree. The legal jargon is difficult to wade through, but I'll be as clear as I can. And for those of you who'd like to read the actual bill, go to this link:

http://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess118_2009-2010/prever/3245_20100616.htm

The purpose of this bill was to amend an existing law from 1976 that required women seeking abortions to wait at least one hour. Now the statute says we must wait a minimum of 24 hours. Of course, any waiting period is a violation of our civil rights.

However, there is one way that we can avoid the waiting period. Section 2 allows women to go to an abortion clinic and get the procedure done on the spot. Here's what has to be done first though: The clinic must send the female to be treated information about the procedure a day in advance, and she must verify this in writing.

That's a pretty simple way to go around the waiting period, but there's still something wrong with us being forced to jump hoops to have our rights! When will we just be allowed to BE? So fight on, dear feminists! And don't let others make decisions on our name.