"You'll see him there daily, on an island in a busy intersection. He's an elderly man, maybe in his 70's or 80's, carrying an infant carrier on his chest with a baby doll inside and a sign that says "Say No to Abortion". Every time I pass by him, I shake my head. Not once do I recall anyone honking in agreement to his protest."
You would think, given South Carolina's penchant to focus on conservative and religious issues, that sentiments like the above would be common among voters. As the current administration began to stack the Supreme Court with conservative justices, people on both sides of the abortion debate in South Carolina held their breath. It was assumed that, given Governor Mark Sanford's (R) pro-life stance and the clout of the religious right in this state, South Carolina would be one of the first states to establish laws that would challenge Roe V. Wade.
With the exception of a law passed in 1994, establishing an one hour waiting period and the 2007 ultrasound law, no real move has been made to challenge or attempt to "get rid" of the current right-to-abortion law that is on the books at this time. Perhaps a recent poll conducted by Winthrop University and ETV explains why.
Pro-life’ stance has limits, poll finds
By AARON GOULD SHEININ - asheinin@thestate.com
Forty-eight percent of South Carolina registered voters consider themselves to be "pro-life," yet an overwhelming 83.5 percent believe a woman should be able to obtain a legal abortion in certain circumstances, according to a new poll from Winthrop University and ETV.
Democrats should be excited about the results of this current poll. To me, this shows that the Democratic party can gain supporters and momentum in South Carolina, which was once thought to be lost forever to the Republican party based on conservative values. This poll takes away the misconception that the state is a completely Pro-Life, anti-abortion regardless, with only a minority of individuals supporting a woman's right to choose.
Sixty-two percent of S.C. Republicans, 35 percent of Democrats and 44 percent of independents consider themselves pro-life.
• But of those who said they were pro-life, more than 72 percent — regardless of party affiliation — said a woman should have access to a legal abortion "in certain circumstances."
It's important to realize that the split between those who are Pro-Choice with those who are Pro-Life is basically split. And among those that consider themselves Pro-Life, the majority favor the option that abortion be available in special circumstances, thus debunking another myth that Pro-Life South Carolinians would like to see Roe V. Wade tossed out. Even among the religious right, many believe that abortion should be made available.
Joe Mack, public policy director of the S.C. Baptist Convention, said he was surprised that 72 percent of pro-life South Carolinians said they support legal abortion in limited circumstances.
"I would think, at least among South Carolina Baptists, that number would be lower," Mack said. They would believe "there should not be any reason for abortion."
So why is all this important to the Democrats? It shows that neither Roe V. Wade, or the overturning of that ruling, is a pressing issue in the minds of voters in South Carolina. The idea that the Republicans can win this state based on overturning Roe V. Wade alone is now no longer a given. While the Republican candidates focus on abortion and terrorism, Democrats have the opportunity to speak on issues that are more prevalent to this state, especially to the 44% of declared Independents that could ultimately shift the state to voting blue.
Now the question is, what is the DNC going to do about it?
Find survey results and article here