IVF access is under threat in South Carolina. The South Carolina Senate has scheduled a hearing for Senate Bill 323, the “Unborn Protection Act.”
What is S. 323?
This legislation would define a human embryo in the South Carolina Health Code as “a human being that begins as a fertilized egg or zygote.”
How Does This Impact Donor Conceived People and Access to IVF?
This change would restrict access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other fertility treatments, and could prevent doctors from being able to practice IVF in accordance with clinical best practices. S. 323 does not recognize or protect the needs of people born through assisted reproduction. Instead, it seeks to prevent our existence.
The ability to make informed choices about embryo use and donation is essential to the dignity of donor-conceived people and their families. This bill could also restrict embryo disposition options, leading to forced embryo donation and ignoring the best interests of donor-conceived people, recipient parents, and donors alike.
Unlike most legislation, S.323 is moving outside the regular session, in a special process designed to fast-track the bill. Lawmakers need to hear from us: IVF must stay legal and available to families in South Carolina.
To get involved and connect with others, check out the South Carolina Fertility Advocates group for more information on organizing efforts.
Take Action Now
Sign Up to Testify
Testify In Person
Sign up to testify using this form:
Testimony Registration Form
You must register online to testify. Spots will fill quickly, so sign up as soon as possible!
After registering, you should receive a confirmation email from the Senate Medical Affairs Committee with your assigned speaking number.
Hearing Details
- Date & Time: Wednesday, October 1 at 9:30 AM
- Location: Room 105, Gressette Building (Columbia Statehouse)
- Time Limit: Each speaker will have 2 minutes to testify.
Need Help?
If you would like assistance preparing your testimony, please contact [email protected].
Important: Even if you plan to testify in person, you are strongly encouraged to also submit written testimony. All written testimony must be submitted by Monday, September 29 at 9:00 AM. Check the Written Testimony section below for full instructions.
Submit Written Testimony
Written or electronic testimony must be received by Monday, September 29 at 9:00 AM.
How to Submit
Send emails/attachments to [email protected] and include the bill number “S. 323” in the subject line.
Tips for Your Testimony
There is no word limit on written testimony, but it is best to keep it under two pages. Shorter submissions are more effective, as senators are unlikely to read lengthy documents.
Even if you plan to testify in person, you are strongly encouraged to also submit written testimony.
Need Help?
If you would like assistance preparing your testimony, please contact [email protected].
Email State Senators
Email Your State Senator
Don’t know who your senator is? Find out here: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/legislatorssearch.php
SAMPLE EMAIL
Subject: Protect IVF and Families – [Name and City]
Dear Senator [LAST NAME],
My name is [YOUR NAME], and I am a constituent that lives in [YOUR TOWN], South Carolina. I am writing to ask you to oppose Senate Bill 323. By redefining embryos as “human beings,” this bill threatens access to IVF and other fertility treatments that countless South Carolina families depend on.
[S. 323 does not recognize or protect people like me, born through assisted reproduction.] OR [As a parent through assisted reproduction, I know firsthand how important it is to protect access to family-building care.] Instead, it seeks to prevent families like mine from existing. The bill could also take away the ability of parents, donors, and doctors to make decisions about embryos, forcing outcomes that are not in the best interest of donor-conceived people or their families.
[Share your personal story here. For example: Why IVF matters to you or your family or why protecting access to fertility care matters in your community.]
Families deserve respect and the ability to make informed medical decisions as they work to build their families. These decisions belong to doctors and families—not politicians. Please stand with South Carolina families and vote NO on S.323.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Email Committee Members
Copy and paste this list of emails into the Bcc line of your email. Please make sure to remove your state senator if you have already emailed them individually.
Bcc: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
SAMPLE EMAIL
Subject: Oppose S. 323 – Protect IVF and Families
Hello,
My name is [YOUR NAME]. I am writing to ask you to oppose Senate Bill 323. By redefining embryos as “human beings,” this bill threatens access to IVF and other fertility treatments that countless South Carolina families depend on.
[S. 323 does not recognize or protect people like me, born through assisted reproduction.] OR [As a parent through assisted reproduction, I know firsthand how important it is to protect access to family-building care.] Instead, it seeks to prevent families like mine from existing. The bill could also take away the ability of parents, donors, and doctors to make decisions about embryos, forcing outcomes that are not in the best interest of donor-conceived people or their families.
[Share your personal story here. For example: Why IVF matters to you or your family or why protecting access to fertility care matters in your community.]
Families deserve respect and the ability to make informed medical decisions as they work to build their families. These decisions belong to doctors and families—not politicians. Please stand with South Carolina families and vote NO on S.323.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Call State Senators
Call Your State Senator
Use the link below to call your State Senator. After you enter your information, you’ll immediately receive the office’s contact details. Please use the sample script when you call.
https://resolve.quorum.us/campaign/142116
PHONE SCRIPT
Hello, my name is [YOUR NAME]. I’m calling to ask Senator [LAST NAME] to oppose Senate Bill 323. This bill would redefine embryos as “human beings,” which threatens access to IVF and other fertility treatments that many South Carolina families depend on.
[Choose one:]
- S. 323 does not recognize or protect people like me, born through assisted reproduction.
- As a parent through assisted reproduction, I know firsthand how important it is to protect access to family-building care.
These decisions belong to doctors and families, not politicians. Please stand with South Carolina families and vote NO on S. 323.
REMEMBER: Please be respectful and thank them for their time!
Call Committee Members
Senator Cash: (803) 212-6124
Senator Corbin: (803) 212-6100
Senator Tedder: (803) 212-6132
Senator Hutto: (803) 212-6140
Senator Garrett: (803) 212-6016
Senator Fernandez: (803) 212-6024
Senator Martin: (803) 212-6420
Senator Sabb: (803) 212-6056
Senator Zell: (803) 212-6040
PHONE SCRIPT
Hello, my name is [YOUR NAME]. I’m calling to ask Senator [LAST NAME] to oppose Senate Bill 323. This bill would redefine embryos as “human beings,” which threatens access to IVF and other fertility treatments that many South Carolina families depend on.
[Choose one:]
- S. 323 does not recognize or protect people like me, born through assisted reproduction.
- As a parent through assisted reproduction, I know firsthand how important it is to protect access to family-building care.
These decisions belong to doctors and families, not politicians. Please stand with South Carolina families and vote NO on S. 323.
REMEMBER: Please be respectful and thank them for their time!