WREN Celebrates Major Legislative Progress for Economic Justice and Reproductive Freedom in 2025 Session
Columbia, SC – The Women’s Rights and Empowerment Network (WREN) proudly reflects on a powerful 2025 legislative session marked by measurable victories, accelerating momentum, and collective resistance to harmful policies. In a state where gender inequities persist, WREN’s advocacy is not only vital—it is transformational. Since its founding in 2016, WREN has mobilized communities, shaped public policy, and championed the voices of those most affected by injustice. This year was no different, as WREN continued to lead bold, statewide efforts to advance gender equity and defend the rights of women and girls across South Carolina.
WREN helped secure one of the year’s most meaningful victories for families: the passage of S.425, which expands access to free school meals for students living in poverty. This new law tackles food insecurity, eliminates lunch debt for thousands of families, and ensures more children have the nourishment they need to learn and thrive.
Access to reproductive healthcare also advanced, as S.477 passed the Senate with bipartisan support. This bill protects access to pharmacist-provided contraception—ensuring that South Carolinians can continue to access safe, affordable birth control without unnecessary barriers.
WREN pushed forward policies that support working families, including H.3645 and S.11, two complementary bills that would expand paid family leave to more public workers. H.3645 passed the House, while S.11 cleared the Senate. Together, they demonstrate bipartisan recognition of the urgent need to support caregivers across state agencies, universities, and public schools.
This session, bills to address South Carolina’s childcare crisis and maternal health needs were given a public platform for the first time. S.47, which incentivizes businesses to invest in childcare, and H.3108, which expands insurance coverage for doula and lactation services, both received their first committee hearings—marking a long-overdue shift toward prioritizing caregivers and care workers.
WREN stood firm with partners and advocates against extreme bills that would criminalize abortion, threaten IVF access, and harm South Carolinians. Because we showed up, spoke out, and stayed united, none of these bills advanced.
“We’re proud of what we’ve built this year—and we’re just getting started,” said Amalia Luxardo, CEO of WREN. “This session showed that when communities come together, we can protect our rights and make bold ideas possible in South Carolina.”
WREN invites the public to stay engaged and take action all summer long. Join them for their Sine Die webinar on May 16, attend a training, or get involved in a campaign. With your support, they are shaping the future of South Carolina—with joy, with power, and with you.
For more information or to get involved, visit www.scwren.org.
To register for their Sine Die webinar and get a full recap of the 2025 legislative session, visit tinyurl.com/sinediewebinar.
Contact:
Tori Nardone
Communications & Marketing Manager
Women’s Rights and Empowerment Network (WREN)
Email: tnardone@scwren.org