During the filibuster the senators - Republicans Katrina Shealy, Sandy Senn, and Penry Gustafson, along with Democrat Margie Bright Matthews, and independent Mia McLeod — took turns “describing the complexities of pregnancy and the reproductive system, the dangers of lack of access to contraception, and inadequate privacy laws,” award officials said in written release.
Officials noted that members of the coalition, who became known as the “sister senators," were criticized by pro-life activists and the three Republicans were also met with strong opposition from their own party – including censures and promises of primary challenges in 2024.
Despite the filibuster, the South Carolina Legislature was later able to approve the measure that would ban most abortions after around six weeks of pregnancy.
Caroline Kennedy and her children Jack Schlossberg and Tatiana Schlossberg, will present the awards next month in Boston.
