In South Carolina, domestic violence is a significant yet relatively transparent phenomenon. In 2009, South Carolina ranked ninth of all 50 states for women who were killed by men. Yet, while 42 states have barred insurance companies from using domestic violence as grounds for denial, such discrimination continues to be reality in South Carolina.

Not only are the current policies that govern health coverage inherently inequitable, falsely warranted and highly ambiguous, they also contribute to the dangerous cycle of domestic abuse. The economic and emotional consequences of the current unjust practices are far too harmful to justify continuation.

To uphold ethical practice and improved health conditions overall, this specific amendment to current law must be deeply considered.