Columbia, S.C. – State Senator Scott Talley, R-Spartanburg, was raised in a two-parent, God-fearing Christian home. Between attending church and youth group while growing up, Talley’s value system was positively reinforced.

It was the birth of his first son that convicted Senator Talley in his prolife stance.

“When you can be part of creation and the beginning of life and you have a firsthand experience, it makes it very real,” said Senator Talley. “Seeing our little guy for the first time and all the scary but happy moments new birth brings made it real. There are so many children who haven’t been given that opportunity.”

Senator Talley and his wife, Kelly, have three sons and multiple nieces and nephews. They aim to instill in them the prolife values.

“All life is precious,” said Senator Talley, an attorney. “We’ve got to do what we can as legislators to sign laws that give protection to those who cannot protect themselves.”

Throughout his time in public service, Senator Talley has voted in favor of prolife legislation such as H. 3020, the Heartbeat Bill. The bill passed the S.C. House but is still on the Senate calendar. When the Senate returns to session in September, votes for cloture will help secure a final Senate vote.

“If we can get the bill in a special-order slot, then we can at least get an opportunity to vote. Let’s get a floor debate on this,” said Senator Talley. “The people of this state deserve for their elected officials to vote. We owe it to the people who put us in office to have that vote.”

“When it comes to prolife legislation, there are opponents that feel as strongly as us proponents,” Senator Talley said. “I think most people understand that it isn’t due to our lack of trying or clout. We are in a very difficult political climate, even in South Carolina.”

Senator Talley noted that several legislators in the Republican Caucus, including himself, vowed to not put any other bill into special-order ahead of H. 3020. 

Constituents play an important role in ensuring that happens, the senator said.

By reaching out to legislators who may not be informed of the issue, constituents hold them accountable. Urging legislators to vote for cloture gives H. 3020 a fighting chance on the Senate floor. As September approaches, constituents can be reminding legislators that the H. 3020 decision is overdue.

In addition to political advocacy, Senator Talley encouraged prayer for the conversion of proabortion hearts and minds.

“This is an important issue. We need this floor debate. It’s taken longer than we had hoped,” said Senator Talley. “But stay in the fight! Keep praying, pushing and advocating and we will get there!”

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This is the second in a series of interviews with South Carolina prolife incumbents. Senator Talley is endorsed by South Carolina Citizens for Life.