The Heartbeat Law: The Law as a Teacher
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June 17, 2024
South Carolina's neighboring states began heavily restricting the practice of abortion when Roe v. Wade was overturned, and consequently, the Palmetto State became an abortion destination. Out-of-state license plates began filling the parking lots of the state’s three abortion businesses.
However, in August 2023, the South Carolina Supreme Court ruled that the Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act is constitutional. We now know that the rate of abortions in our state has dramatically reduced because of the heartbeat bill thanks to data released by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). The number plummeted nearly 80% from its peak of about 925 deaths per month to roughly 198 per month.
NOTE: This graph is based on the DHEC abortion statistics for 2018-2023. The yearly numbers were divided by 12 to get monthly rates.
The DHEC report makes it clear that law can influence the behavior of citizens, a truth enumerated by great minds throughout the ages: law is a teacher. St. Thomas Aquinas said the proper effect of law, whether human or divine, is to make people good (I-II.92.1). Aristotle, who was critical of religion, also believed that civil law has a responsibility to lead people to act virtuously.
The upcoming election season will be contentious, and many people are tempted to abstain from casting a vote. However, the effects of the Fetal Heartbeat law show why every vote matters — women have been encouraged to choose life and children have been saved.
Michael F. Acquilano, director of the South Carolina Catholic Conference, said this is due to the work of those who believe in life.
“Thanks to the tireless efforts of pro-life advocates across our state, this law has been passed and upheld by the court,” Acquilano said. “Please remember that this is not the end of the issue; the fight for our mothers and babies will continue. Our goal as Catholics is to make abortion unthinkable by supporting women fully as they choose life.”
Your vote has brought us one step closer. We look forward to the time when all mothers, babies and families will be protected from the pain and destruction of abortion.
To learn more or to get involved with the pro-life movement, please visit www.bornforthis.life.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the unborn, pray for us!
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