COLUMBIA, S.C. — This week, the state's five female Senators helped stop a near-total abortion ban from becoming law.
They call themselves the 'Sister Senators.'
“I love my sister senators," said Sen. Mia McLeod (I-Richland).
They include three Republicans, one Democrat, and one independent: Sen. Mia McLeod, Sen. Katrina Shealy (R-Lexington), Sen. Penry Gustafson (R-Kershaw), Sen. Margie Bright-Matthews (D-Colleton), and Sen. Sandy Senn (R-Charleston).
They all come from different parties, different counties, and different races. Though they are united by their shared experiences.
“I think we feel very comfortable talking with one another, disagreeing with one another, and sharing openly with one another," said Gustafson.
They don't agree on every issue, including abortion. But on Thursday, they banded together to vote against legislation that sought to ban abortion from conception with exceptions for rape, incest, fetal anomalies, and the life of the mother.
"It is for those who want to be on the right side of history and want to truly make a difference and be a voice for their constituents ... that's who we are."
One, by one, each of them took to the podium to talk about women's issues like pregnancy, birth control, and sexual assault.
“This bill is about control, using the Bible to say you can control my body," Bright-Matthews said.
Gustafson said she supports a six-week ban on abortions but thinks a ban at conception goes too far. "There's still a gray area. There's a gray area there, and I don't want to legislate it," said Gustafson.
McLeod echoed concerns about the lack of representation in the chamber.
"Senator Gustafson was sharing the details of her pregnancy and that experience, which was big. It just became more real, that only five of us have ever had that experience and will ever have that experience of the 46 of us who serve in the South Carolina Senate," said McLeod.
McLeod, who shared during a previous abortion debate that she had been raped, said it is unfortunate that women must talk about intimate experiences to “enlighten and engage” men.
In a 46-member chamber largely dominated by men, they hope their actions this week send a message to get more women involved in politics.
"I think just for this state to see us in the way that they were able to see us come together on this particular issue is going to be a game changer," said McLeod.
"I am not against men in the legislature, but is frightfully obvious that we need more women," said Gustafson. "This is just simply about having more voices."
A separate six-week ban already passed the Senate and could become law this session if the House passes the bill before it ends in six days.
Abortion remains legal through 22 weeks in South Carolina.
"It is not an exaggeration to say that we're becoming a destination state for abortion," said Gustafson. "I don't want us to be known for that. However, I am happy to be known for bipartisan cohesion among senators."