COLUMBIA — Leading South Carolina anti-abortion organizations remain divided over a Statehouse bill to criminalize abortion, with some saying it goes too far because it could outlaw contraception and potentially charge women who seek the procedure with murder.

The rift was evident Oct. 1 as hundreds rallied outside a hearing room where lawmakers heard more than seven hours of testimony from both sides in a hearing pockmarked by political attacks, tears and Old Testament verses.

Throughout the day, several members of the audience were physically removed for shouting expletives at lawmakers and supporters of the bill by the sergeant-at-arms staff.

Democratic lawmakers also led lengthy debates against the handful of medical professionals who traveled to Columbia in support of the bill.

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