Dear VOICE Members,

As we prepare for the October 1st Senate Medical Affairs Committee hearing, we want to share what we know right now—and ask for your continued patience and flexibility. The information we have is fluid, and details may continue to change. We will share updates as soon as we receive them so you always have the most accurate picture possible.

What We've Learned

• Ellen Holliman was assigned slot 94 to speak. With the committee limiting public comment to 2.5 hours, she most likely will not be heard.

• Unlike many hearings, this one is tightly controlled: speakers must state whether they "support" or "oppose" the bill, and the committee is restricting the same number of each side.

• Their "experts" will begin testimony at 1:00 p.m., placing citizen voices at a disadvantage.

• Protests will begin at 9:30 a.m. outside the building. Bring signs, water, snacks, and even chairs—for presence matters.

Even though the hearing format is constrained, we still have influence by contacting the Republican subcommittee member senators directly.

📞 Committee Members to Contact (6 Republican Senators)

Senator                                   Phone                            Email

Richard Cash                         (864) 505-2130              richardcash@scsenate.gov

Billy Garrett                           (803) 212-6016              BillyGarrett@scsenate.gov

Tom Fernandez                     (803) 212-6024             TomFernandez@scsenate.gov

Shane R. Martin                     (803) 212-6420             Shane@senatormartin.com

Jeff Zell                                    (803) 212-6040              JeffZell@scsenate.gov

Thomas D. "Tom" Corbin     (803) 212-6100             TomCorbin@scsenate.gov

Your Voice Still Matters

• Call and email these senators now or over the weekend—let them know you oppose SB 323.

• If you plan to attend the hearing, join the protest at 9:30 a.m. outside the building.

• Even though public speaking slots are limited, your calls, emails, and presence will be noticed.

We also need to issue corrections from News Bulletin #14:

• Petitions are due Sunday, September 28^th for all SB 323 petitions to be turned into Donna Dowell, Flossie Chapman or call Ellen Holliman (336-250-8115) to arrange pick up or drop off.

• Our website address is https://voicenmb.org. Please use this link for all official updates and resources.

We are doing our best to get information to you quickly, and in the process we may make mistakes. We hope you will bear with us as we strive to keep you informed.

Thank you for your commitment, your energy, and your patience. Together, we are strong. We are in a critical fight—and your voice makes a difference.

In commitment and solidarity,

VOICE Leadership Team

VOICE News Bulletin #14

VOICE News Bulletin #13-Senate Bill 323 is the most extreme abortion ban in SC history

VOICE News Bulletin #12 - September 7, 2025   Sign. Share. Show Up. Help stop SB 323

To download the petition, click on the box with arrow in the upper right corner.

This is the moment to stand together.
Our silence is their victory. Our action is our strength. We cannot let this bill define the future of South Carolina. Together, we will raise our VOICES and we will be heard.

We are ALL "Sisters in Action"! Brave and motivated! We must use our VOICES!

Your VOICE Ellen, Flossie, Donna, Carol, Anne, Jane

VOICE News Bulletin #11 - September 6, 2025

Dear VOICE Members,

We want to share a powerful post from Senator Katrina Shealy, one of the courageous "Sister Senators" who stood together in 2023 to defeat a near-total abortion ban in South Carolina. Her leadership—and that of her colleagues—earned them the John F. Kennedy Profiles in Courage Award for defending reproductive freedom against overwhelming pressure.

She is sounding the alarm again and calls this bill "ugly," and we need to do everything to stop it! Her urgency reminds us that SB 323 is not merely legislation—it's an assault on the health, safety, and autonomy of women across South Carolina.

Please read her post below, consider the stark warning she shares, and join the fight. We're at a pivotal moment—our VOICES and actions matter.

Thank you for standing strong. WE NEED YOU!!

ACTION NEEDED

Forward this email to all your family and friends.

Find specific action steps in our September 4th VOICE News Bulletin #9 at https://voicenmb.org.

We are ALL "Sisters in Action"! Brave and motivated! We must use our VOICES!

Flossie, Ellen, Donna, Anne, Carol and Jane

Senator Katrina Shealy's Post

The Dangerous Future This Bill Threatens for South Carolina's Women and Families
Bill Authors: Cash, Rice, and Garrett – S323

A bill under consideration in South Carolina's legislature, with its sweeping changes to existing law, represents a profound and dangerous step backward for the state. Rather than protecting life, this legislation threatens the health, safety, and fundamental rights of women, girls, and families. It is a bill built on punitive measures, not compassion, and its provisions promise to unleash a wave of negative consequences that will ripple through our communities for generations.

The most jarring and cruel aspect of this bill is its complete removal of exceptions for rape and incest. In a state that has been making strides to combat sexual violence and support survivors, this provision is a brutal betrayal. It sends a chilling message to victims that their trauma and bodily autonomy are irrelevant. By forcing a survivor to carry a pregnancy to term resulting from a heinous crime, the state would be inflicting further trauma and stripping them of their most basic right to control their own bodies and futures. It is a provision that stands in stark opposition to the principles of justice and human dignity.

Beyond the cruelty to victims of violence, the bill's provisions threaten to criminalize healthcare itself. By redefining terms and removing protections, it puts doctors in an impossible position. A physician's priority is to provide the best possible care for their patient, but this bill forces them to choose between their medical oath and a new slate of criminal penalties, including the potential for license suspension or revocation. It would create a legal minefield for physicians, leading to a chilling effect where doctors may hesitate to provide even standard care out of fear of prosecution for the "accidental or unintentional death of an unborn child." This will not only drive talented medical professionals away from our state but also endanger the health of pregnant people and their children.

The consequences for our young people are equally severe. The repeal of the "judicial bypass" process is a direct assault on the safety of minors. This vital process currently allows a young person who is a victim of abuse or who cannot safely involve their parents to seek a judge's permission for an abortion. Removing this option forces a vulnerable minor to either go through with a dangerous back-alley procedure or carry a pregnancy to term against her will, potentially forcing her to remain in a dangerous environment. It is a policy that prioritizes a political agenda over a child's well-being and safety.

Finally, the bill introduces a level of legal overreach that is both unprecedented and frightening. By redefining a fertilized egg as a "human embryo" and creating a "wrongful death" action for an aborted "unborn child," the bill opens the door to prosecuting pregnant people themselves. The threat of criminal charges and civil lawsuits for miscarriage or other medical events is a terrifying prospect that undermines a person's right to privacy and bodily integrity. Furthermore, the use of a RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) statute—typically reserved for organized crime—against those involved in "prohibited abortion activities" is a clear signal that this bill is not about medical care, but about a far-reaching effort to control and punish.

This is not a bill designed to protect life; it is a bill designed to punish. It seeks to control personal decisions, override medical expertise, and strip away fundamental rights. The future this bill outlines for South Carolina is one where women and girls are less safe, where doctors practice in fear, and where families must navigate an increasingly complex and hostile legal landscape. South Carolinians deserve better. We must reject this dangerous legislation and instead advocate for policies that empower individuals, protect the vulnerable, and support the health and well-being of all our citizens.

VOICE News Bulletin #10 - September 5, 2025

On Saturday many of our members attended John Vincent's Meet and Greet at Barefoot Landing.  It was well-attended, invigorating and fun.  We made many connections and the spirit of the room made us even more hopeful. We all assured John that we were strong advocates of his "Common Sense Over Chaos" slogan. Please continue to assure John Vincent's win by advocating for him to at least 5 friends. 

Three other candidates were also there. Sylvia Wright, our candidate for State School Superintendent, spoke eloquently about what we need to do to better our SC schools. George Blumenthal, our District 104 candidate for the SC House Representatives (North Myrtle Beach and Little River), spoke of our local needs. Germain Jordan, a potential candidate for governor, spoke to our state's need for inclusion of all and introduced John Vincent with great enthusiasm. We are hoping to have all three of the candidates speak to our group in 2026

Carol Stigger's press release about the event was published in the September 4th edition of the North Myrtle Times. Thank you, Carol!

John has also sent us a wonderful endorsement of VOICE which we have included on our website.

"I recently had the pleasure of speaking at a VOICE luncheon. Rarely do I get to spend time with such a thoroughly engaged and committed group.  Focus and action-oriented, to say nothing of the fun Deb and I had. If you are looking for influential doers, not watchers, you should check out these folks-one of the best organizations in the Pee Dee or Grand Strand."

Our next luncheon is Monday, September 15th, at the Surf Club in North Myrtle Beach.  There is a $20 cost for the lunch, beverage, dessert, tax and gratuity. It is a cash only luncheon. We will begin welcoming you at 11 AM and lunch will be served at 11:30.  Registration can be made on our website  https://www.voicenmb.org .In order to get an accurate count for the Surf Club please make sure to register on the website. All the details are also included there.  

We will be offering a 50/50 raffle again. The tickets are 3 for $5, 7 for $10 and 20 for $20. It is our primary way of tipping our servers and defraying some expenses.  Please buy a set of tickets.

Our speaker this month is Jolene Puffer who is a candidate for the North Myrtle Beach City Council.  This is where we live. We know what we think is important in and for our city.  Come prepared to ask questions.  Jolene's bio is available on our website https://www.voicenmb.org .

VOICE Shirts and Hats 

If you would like to have a shirt or hat embroidered with the VOICE logo please bring it to the meeting.  Donna Dowell will be collecting them.  Please have a piece of tape with your name on it on the collar and a pin that marks where you would like the embroidery to be placed. Please put them in a bag. The cost is $5 per item.

Mark your Calendars!

We have a Happy Hour scheduled at the Mad Gator Grill in Barefoot Landing on Friday, September 26th for 4-6 PM. It is another place to connect, share and feel the excitement of like-minded women. 

On October 18th Indivisible and many other organizations will be sponsoring a No Kings 2 Protest.  There are indications it may be larger than #1.  Plan your signs and be ready to march. We will let you know more details as they become available. 

Yesterday you received our newsletter #9 concerning the upcoming Senate Bill 323. A complete abortion bill should not even be considered without our VOICE being heard.  Please decide on a plan of action and make calls, write letters, come to Columbia on October 1st, and talk to friends to make them aware. A lot of information on what you can do was in the newsletter.

We are ALL "Sisters in Action!" Brave and motivated! We must use our VOICES!

Flossie

Ellen

Donna

VOICE News Bulletin #9 - September 4, 2025

Dear VOICE members,

South Carolina is about to pass the most extreme and dangerous abortion ban in our state's history, and unless we act together, women and girls will lose what little protection they have left. We need your support. On October 1st, the South Carolina Senate Medical Affairs Committee will hold a hearing on Senate Bill 323, a bill that would strip away even the most basic protections for women and girls in our state.

Ellen Holliman plans to attend this hearing and to speak—not only as a citizen but as a mother. Many of you know her family's story: in 1985, their daughter was kidnapped, raped, and murdered. She shared her fear of what might have happened if their daughter had survived but been forced to carry a pregnancy from that violence. Ellen gave the following testimony before the House Subcommittee earlier this year:

"Had our daughter survived her attack but become pregnant, do you really believe my husband and I would have stood by and watched her endure nine more months of trauma? Absolutely not. No loving parent would. And yet, that is exactly what these laws are demanding of other families."

And it's not only about rape survivors like Ellen's daughter. This bill would abandon the most vulnerable children in our communities—girls trapped in abuse and incest. In her testimony, she shared this haunting truth:

"There are 11, 12, and 13-year-old girls trapped in a nightmare—used by their own fathers, brothers, uncles, their mother's boyfriends. These girls have no way out. This isn't just abuse—it's slavery inside their own homes, and these laws are locking those doors even tighter."

This is why we stay silent—and we are asking you to use your VOICE!

Here's how you can help:

• Attend the hearing on October 1 at 9:30 AM in Columbia (Room 105, Gressette Building). Your presence matters.

• Call or email the members of the Senate Medical Affairs Committee. Even a short, polite message makes a difference.

• Talk to your family, friends, and neighbors—encourage them to reach out to their Senators.

📞 Priority Senators to Contact

If you only have time to make a few calls or send a few emails, please start here:

• Sen. Danny Verdin (Chairman) – District 9
  📞 (803) 212-6250 | ✉️ DannyVerdin@scsenate.gov

• Sen. Harvey Peeler (former Senate President) – District 14
  📞 (803) 212-6430 | ✉️ HarveyPeeler@scsenate.gov

• Sen. Tom Davis (key swing vote) – District 46
  📞 (803) 212-6080 | ✉️ TomDavis@scsenate.gov

• Sen. Brad Hutto (ranking Democrat) – District 40
  📞 (803) 212-6140 | ✉️ BradHutto@scsenate.gov

• Sen. Margie Bright Matthews (women's rights advocate) – District 45
  📞 (803) 212-6132 | ✉️ MargieBrightMatthews@scsenate.gov

Full Senate Medical Affairs Committee Contact List

Please consider picking 2–3 names beyond the priority list if you can. Hearing from more VOICES makes a real difference.

Daniel B. "Danny" Verdin III (Chair)     Dist. 9      (803) 212-6250   DannyVerdin@scsenate.gov

Harvey S. Peeler, Jr.   Dist. 14       (803) 212-6430      HarveyPeeler@scsenate.gov

Brad Hutto    Dist. 40     (803) 212-6140    BradHutto@scsenate.gov

Shane R. Martin     Dist. 13     (803) 212-6420      ShaneMartin@scsenate.gov

Thomas C. Alexander       Dist. 1     (803) 212-6220     ThomasAlexander@scsenate.gov

Tom Davis     Dist. 46     (803) 212-6080      TomDavis@scsenate.gov

Thomas D. "Tom" Corbin     Dist. 5     (803) 212-6100      TomCorbin@scsenate.gov

Margie Bright Matthews     Dist. 45      (803) 212-6132     MargieBrightMatthews@scsenate.gov

Michael W. Gambrell      Dist. 4     (803) 212-6032     MikeGambrell@scsenate.gov

Richard J. Cash     Dist. 3     (864) 505-2130    RichardCash@scsenate.gov

Billy Garrett     Dist. 10      (803) 212-6016     BillyGarrett@scsenate.gov

Ronnie A. Sabb     Dist. 32      (803) 212-6056     RonnieSabb@scsenate.gov

Deon T. Tedder    Dist. 42     (803) 212-6132     DeonTedder@scsenate.gov

Josh Kimbrell     Dist. 11    (803) 212-6108     JoshKimbrell@scsenate.gov

Tom Fernandez     Dist. 39     (803) 212-6024     TomFernandez@scsenate.gov

Matthew W. "Matt" Leber     Dist. 41    (803) 212-6032     MattLeber@scsenate.gov

Jeff Zell     Dist. 36     (803) 212-6040     JeffZell@scsenate.gov

SAMPLE SCRIPT

Hello, my name is ____________, and I live in __________________.

I'm calling to urge Senator [Last Name] to vote NO on Senate Bill 323. This bill is extreme, cruel, and dangerous for women and girls in South Carolina.

As one mother testified earlier this year, "No loving parent would stand by and watch their child be forced to endure nine more months of trauma after rape. And yet, that is exactly what these laws are demanding of families."

SB 323 goes too far. It endangers survivors of rape and incest, criminalizes compassion, and risks women's health in medical emergencies. Please do the right thing and oppose this bill. Thank you for your time.

Summary of South Carolina Senate Bill 323 — the "Unborn Child Protection Act"

South Carolina Senate Bill 323, introduced on February 6, 2025, aims to enact the Unborn Child Protection Act by severely restricting reproductive rights in numerous ways:

• Eliminates key exceptions — it removes the exceptions for rape, incest, and fatal fetal anomalies, forcing survivors or families to carry pregnancies under traumatic circumstances.

• Redefines reproductive terms, undermining access to emergency contraception, IUDs, IVF treatments, and more.

• Criminalizes those who help or provide information, including doctors, friends, family, or neighbors—even for something as simple as sharing a website.

• Allows criminal prosecution for pregnant individuals and removes protections that previously prevented prosecution of women who obtained abortions.

• Imposes felony penalties — potentially up to 30 years in prison for violations and allows private civil actions and even RICO-style prosecution.

• Restricts medical care, requiring exhaustive bureaucracy and records for abortion and even miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy treatment, while removing vital emergency allowances.

• Fast-tracks adoption of the bill outside of regular legislative processes, with a hearing already scheduled for October 1, 2025 at 9:30 AM in the Gressette Building, Room 105, Columbia Statehouse.

This is being described by the Women's Rights and Empowerment Network (WREN) as "the most extreme abortion ban ever introduced in South Carolina and among the worst (if not the worst) in the country".

Why SB 323 is So Dangerous for Women in South Carolina

1. Deep trauma ignored
   Survivors of rape or incest—including minors—would no longer have legal access to abortion. Imagine a 10-year-old being forced to carry her rapist's child. This is beyond cruel—it's dehumanizing.

2. Criminalizing compassion
   People who try to help loved ones—whether by lending a car, sharing information, offering emotional support—could now face felony charges. This bill weaponizes everyday kindness.

3. Shattering reproductive autonomy
   By redefining contraception and reproductive terms in restrictive ways, this bill undermines birth control, IVF, and other family-building options.

4. Threatening medical professionals and patients
   Doctors could lose their licenses or face decades in prison. Patients could face prosecution. This disrupts trust in the doctor-patient relationship and could drive doctors out of the state.

5. Barriers to urgent care
   Treatments for miscarriages or ectopic pregnancies become legally risky. "Basic healthcare" becomes dangerous to administer or receive.

6. Subverts public input
   The October hearing is the only real chance for public testimony. Lawmakers are trying to push this through without engaging those most affected.

This is being described by the Women's Rights and Empowerment Network (WREN) as "the most extreme abortion ban ever introduced in South Carolina and among the worst (if not the worst) in the country".

We are "Sisters in Action!" Brave and motivated! We must use our VOICES!!

Flossie

Ellen

Donna

VOICE News Bulletin #7 - August 20, 2025

VOICE News Bulletin #6 - August 7, 2025

VOICE News Bulletin #5 - July 28, 2025

VOICE News Bulletin #4 - July 22, 2025

VOICE News Bulletin #3 - July 15, 2025

VOICE News Bulletin #2 - July 7, 2025

VOICE News Bulletin #1 - June 26, 2025