South-Carolina

S.C. must weigh economic impact of its abortion restrictions; here’s why

Published

3 months ago

July 7, 2024

S.C. must weigh economic impact of its abortion restrictions; here’s why

Dr. Amalia Luxardo
| CEO, Women’s Rights & Empowerment Network

Two years ago, the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade, fundamentally altering women’s rights across the nation. As I returned to work from maternity leave, the weight of having fewer rights than just weeks before filled me with rage and sorrow. However, today I’m not writing about bodily autonomy, but about the long-term economic implications of abortion restrictions.

As a numbers person, I find it economically illogical to restrict — let alone ban — abortion. According to a recent publication by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, should abortion restrictions reach a national scale, the United States would suffer a near $173 billion economic loss. For South Carolina in particular, our projected annual loss is nearly $3 billion. This staggering figure suggests that our lawmakers, in their perceived focus on moral and ethical considerations, might not have carefully considered the economic ramifications of these restrictive measures.

More: SC Senate passes six-week abortion ban. New litigation expected after Gov. signs into law.

Let’s break down the potential impact on South Carolina’s workforce. There are approximately 1.38 million women participating in our state’s workforce, with nearly one-third ages 20 to 35 — the group in which most abortions were performed. In 2022, the South Carolina Department of Health reported 5,568 abortions, mostly from families who already have children. If we removed just these individuals from the workforce, South Carolina would lose more than $211 million per year (based on a median income of $38,000).

This figure doesn’t account for any supplemental public benefits these families might need if another child pushes them into poverty. Based on average SNAP benefits alone, it could cost South Carolina an additional $1,392,000 annually — not including medical coverage, cash assistance, or child-care scholarships. Over five years, the minimum economic impact could reach $1,064,880,000.

Moreover, while recent stories reported a drastic 80% drop in abortion rates in South Carolina, they fail to mention that more than 8,000 individuals sought abortions in neighboring states like North Carolina. This not only represents a significant economic outflow, but also places additional burdens on those seeking care.

These economic realities are stark, but they raise deeper questions: What do South Carolinians truly value? We live in a state of perpetual dichotomy. We claim to prioritize family values but don’t provide the support systems that families need, like universal child care. We talk about protecting children, but our governor rejected federal funds for a program offering food assistance to needy families during the summer months when schools are closed.

For years, the Women’s Rights and Empowerment Network (WREN) fought to remove the sales tax from essential period products in the same year that our representatives passed legislation approving aerial hunting of feral hogs. This disconnect between our stated values and our lawmakers’ legislative priorities is striking.

And the ripple effects of these restrictions extend far beyond immediate economic impacts, affecting our entire state:

Health care: Our medical system faces potential deterioration as professionals leave for states where they can provide comprehensive reproductive care. This exodus, coupled with fewer incoming medical students and residents, could lead to provider shortages and reduced quality of care for everyone.
Education: Restricted access to reproductive healthcare could widen educational gaps. Teenage parents already face challenges in continuing their education, leading to higher dropout rates and delayed pursuit of higher education. This affects future earnings and economic mobility, creating a cycle of disadvantage.
Business and employment: Companies may hesitate to locate or expand in a state with such restrictions, affecting job opportunities for everyone.
Public resources: The increased strain on health care and social services could likely lead to higher taxes or reduced services for all citizens, regardless of gender or reproductive status.

The economic fall of South Carolina isn’t a distant possibility – it’s a looming threat if we continue down this path. It’s time for all South Carolinians, regardless of personal beliefs about abortion, to seriously consider the economic consequences of these policies. Are we prepared to sacrifice billions in economic activity, strain our public resources, and potentially drive away job-creating businesses?

As we approach the polls and engage with our representatives, let’s demand policies that support not just our values, but our economic well-being. The prosperity of our state and the welfare of all its citizens depend on it.

We must act now to prevent South Carolina from falling into a preventable economic decline. Our future depends on it.

Dr. Amalia Luxardo is chief executive officer for the Women’s Rights & Empowerment Network (WREN) in South Carolina.

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South-Carolina

Live updates/game thread: South Carolina vs. Ole Miss (Week 6)

Published

54 mins ago

October 5, 2024

Press Room

Live updates/game thread: South Carolina vs. Ole Miss (Week 6)

South Carolina returns to action in Week 6 after an all-important bye week.

The Gamecocks (3-1, 1-1 SEC) will take on the No. 12 Ole Miss Rebels Saturday afternoon. Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN.

GamecockCentral is here at Williams-Brice Stadium to provide live updates throughout the afternoon.

South Carolina stays hot, picks up another 4-star commitment

By: Kevin Miller

On Saturday, just a couple of hours before the South Carolina football team took the field against the 12th-ranked Ole Miss Rebels, the Gamecocks got some good recruiting news when 4-star tight end Jamel Howse (Newberry High School; Newberry, South Carolina) revealed his commitment to Shane Beamer’s program. A frequent visitor to campus, he was one of many high-level prospects in Columbia for a huge recruiting weekend.

Howse, a class of 2026 recruit, is ranked as the 151st-best player in the country, regardless of position. On3 considers the athletic playmaker the No. 7 tight end in the nation and the No. 2 Palmetto State prospect. Despite having another full year of high school football remaining, Howse owns multiple other Power-4 scholarship offers (including ones from West Virginia, Virginia Tech, Louisville, Cincinnati, and UCF) and has drawn interest from additional major programs.

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As a player, Howse is a dynamic threat in the passing game. The 6’4″ weapon lines up all over the offense for Newberry and has a knack for finding coverage soft spots. Once the ball is in his hands, a “Howse Call” (you’re welcome to play-by-play announcers everywhere) is always on the table thanks to good, long-striding speed and a strong, forceful running style.

Howse’s pledge marks the Gamecocks’ fourth commitment of the ’26 cycle. He joins linebacker Rodney Colton, Jr., linebacker/EDGE Keenan Britt, and in-state offensive lineman Anthony Baxter.

[Win two tickets to the South Carolina-Texas A&M football game]

On Friday, the Gamecocks secured a pledge from class of 2026 4-star wide receiver Jordon Gidron. The local standout also announced he was reclassifying to the ’25 cycle, meaning he will arrive on campus even sooner. Another in-state 4-star wide receiver, Rock Hill High School’s Malik Clark, announced his own commitment shortly before Howse. Clark is part of the 2025 recruiting class.

Shane Beamer and the South Carolina football coaching staff are getting hot on the recruiting trail, and the good news for Gamecock fans is that they show no signs of stopping.

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South-Carolina

Ole Miss vs South Carolina – Final Thoughts and Keys to A Win for Gamecocks

Published

9 hours ago

October 5, 2024

Press Room

Ole Miss vs South Carolina – Final Thoughts and Keys to A Win for Gamecocks

The No. 12 ranked Ole Miss Rebels take a trip east to Columbia, South Carolina Saturday to take on the South Carolina Gamecocks. Fresh off a bye-week, the Gamecocks look to get their first signature win of the season after missing out on the opportunity to upset the LSU Tigers at home back in Week 3.

Now, as underdogs at home yet again, head coach Shane Beamer and his staff look to pull off the upset over Ole Miss.

LaNorris Sellers
Sellers is listed as probable after taking the bye week and the contest against Akron to get healthy from his ankle injury sustained against LSU. Assuming he returns to the lineup on Saturday, the Gamecocks’ passing attack will receive a much-needed boost. Robby Ashford showed signs of growth through the air against Akron, but this offense has a different explosivity with Sellers at the helm. Sellers’ continued growth is perhaps the most important area to watch as this Gamecocks season continues.

Pressure and Havoc
There’s been little to now doubt this season, the best unit on this South Carolina roster has been the defensive front. Freshman phenom Dylan Stewart and transfer Kyle Kennard have lived in opponents backfields this season and Saturday is their chance to impact yet another contest for the Gamecocks. Ole Miss’s offenses attempt to drive the ball down the field frequently, presenting plenty of opportunity for this Gamecocks defense to get home.

Match the Explosives
Ole Miss is currently ranked No. 3 in College Football averaging 7.9 yards per play. They are by definition an explosive offense. If the Gamecocks are going to go blow for blow with the Rebels on Saturday, they are going to have to manage to create explosives offensively themselves while avoiding negative plays offensively. This South Carolina offense has been able to create explosives, but they’ve also failed to avoid critical losses on fumbles, sacks, and penalties.

South Carolina vs Ole Miss Betting Odds:

According to Draft Kings, South Carolina is an 8.0-point underdog against the Rebels. The line was initially set at 11.5 in favor of Ole Miss, but following the Rebels’ loss to Kentucky, the point spread has now shifted a good bit. The line was at 9.5 earlier in this week so it has shrunk more since then. This has been a line that has continued to move throughout the week and it might even move more before kickoff.

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Ole Miss EDGE Princely Umanmielen Ruled OUT For Game vs. South Carolina

Published

17 hours ago

October 5, 2024

Press Room

Ole Miss EDGE Princely Umanmielen Ruled OUT For Game vs. South Carolina

The No. 12 Ole Miss Rebels are hoping to return to the win column on Saturday against the South Carolina Gamecocks, but they will have to do so without one of their star defenders.

Edge rusher Princely Umanmielen was ruled out of Saturday’s game for the Rebels, according to the latest injury report released by the Southeastern Conference on Friday. He suffered an injury against Kentucky last week and was previously listed as “questionable” on the report that was released on Wednesday.

So far this season, Umanmielen, a Florida transfer, has tallied 13 total tackles (six TFLs) and 3.5 sacks.

Some players who were listed as questionable on Wednesday were upgraded to “probable” on Friday, including RB Matt Jones and LB TJ Dottery. RB Henry Parrish is still listed as questionable going into Saturday, and WR Tre Harris’ name has been removed from the report entirely.

The final injury report for this game will be released 90 minutes prior to kickoff. The game is set to begin at 2:30 p.m. CT, and it will be televised on ESPN.

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