Abortion Thoughts - A Proposed Law

Bajaba Q
May 09, 2023
edited January 18, 2026

Introduction

After my letter to the editor, I thought more deeply about abortion, and these are my thoughts as of 2023-05-09. (I posted this to facebook and I got supportive and non-supportive comments - but no real alternatives or edits to my proposal - maybe I need better facebook-"friends" :) - 2026-01-18).

I didn’t think abortion-laws impacted me or my family, however me and my wife are responsible for ourselves and our 3 children (1M, 2F). While hopefully an unwanted pregnancy (caused by violence, poor decisions, or divine intervention) will not be a life-experience we have, it could occur. It would be better if the law of South Carolina wouldn’t be an additional burden during such an experience.

Here is my proposal for a law on abortion that attempts to balance a woman’s choice, a child’s right-to-life, and the care of all children. I estimate it would cost the state $380 million per year (increase the annual SC budget by 3%). A 3% increase seems a fair price to pay and knowing there is support, would likely decrease unwanted pregnancies.

Law

  1. All individual and group health insurance and health maintenance organization policies in this State shall include coverage for contraceptives. Alternatively, contraceptives may be obtained at no cost from County Health Departments.
  2. Upon becoming pregnant, all female citizens of the State shall be eligible to enroll in, at no cost to themselves, a health care plan equivalent to or better than the State Health Standard Plan. This eligibility shall last until at least 2‑years after giving birth or 6-weeks after the termination of the pregnancy.
  3. Up to 12 weeks from conception, abortions shall be permitted, including self-managed medication abortion. Any costs to these shall be covered under the health care plan.
  4. At and after 12 weeks from conception, abortions, under the supervision of a licensed medical practitioner, shall be permitted under the following circumstances:
    1. to protect the life of the woman
    2. if there are physical or genetic anomalies in the fetus that could lead to severe physical and mental disabilities, miscarriage or stillbirth. Any costs to these shall be covered under the health care plan.
  5. All children, who are residents of the State, until they reach the age of 18, shall be eligible to enroll in, at no cost to themselves or their parents or legal guardians, a health care plan equivalent to or better than the State Health Standard Plan.

Conclusion

I don’t like complaining without proposing an alternate solution. This is mine. I tried to balance individual rights with societal interest. I am interested to read what alternative solutions or edits you may propose to this one and why that solution is better/more fair.