¶ Overview
Wilson expressed extreme anti-choice views that put South Carolina women’s lives at risk. On six different occaisions he co-sponsored the Life at Conception Act, a near-total abortion ban that provided no protection for IVF. He also supported anti-choice legislation rooted in misinformation, called the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade “correct” and consistently received an “A+” rating from the anti-choice organization Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America.
¶ Wilson Was A Proud Anti-Abortion Extremist
¶ Wilson Consistently supported a total abortion ban that had no protections for ivf
8/11/23: Wilson Cosponsored The Life At Conception Act. [H.R. 431, “Life at Conception Act,” Introduced 1/20/23, Cosponsored 8/11/23]
6/7/22: Wilson Cosponsored The Life At Conception Act. [H.R. 1001, “Life at Conception Act,” Introduced 2/11/21, Cosponsored 6/7/22]
7/22/19: Wilson Cosponsored The Life At Conception Act. [H.R. 616, “Life at Conception Act,” Introduced 1/16/19, Cosponsored 7/22/19]
10/20/15: Wilson Cosponsored The Life At Conception Act. [H.R. 816, “Life at Conception Act,” Introduced 2/9/15, Cosponsored 10/20/15]
5/20/13: Wilson Cosponsored The Life At Conception Act. [H.R. 1091, “Life at Conception Act,” Introduced 3/12/13, Cosponsored 5/20/13]
2/6/12: Wilson Cosponsored The Life At Conception Act. [H.R. 374, “Life at Conception Act,” Introduced 1/20/11, Cosponsored 2/6/12]
The Life At Conception Act Was Effectively A Total Abortion Ban. According to the Washington Post, “Several abortion bans have already been introduced in Congress. A six-week abortion ban has been introduced in the House, by Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), and the Life at Conception Act, which would recognize a fetus as a person with equal protections under the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, has been introduced in both chambers. Nineteen Republican senators and well over 100 Republicans in the House have co-sponsored the measure, signaling that many would like to see a total ban on abortion.” [Washington Post, 5/2/22]
- The Life At Conception Act Did Not Provide A Carve-Out For IVF. According to CNN, “Republicans who expressed support for in vitro fertilization in the wake of the controversial Alabama Supreme Court ruling are coming under scrutiny for also backing legislation that declares human life begins at conception, without an exception for IVF — two positions that appear to be at odds with one another, in the latest example of Republicans struggling to thread the needle on reproductive rights issues. The Life at Conception Act – which was introduced in January 2023 by GOP Rep. Alex Mooney of West Virginia and has 125 total Republican sponsors in the House, including House Speaker Mike Johnson – defines the term ‘human being’ to include ‘all stages of life, including the moment of fertilization, cloning, or other moment at which an individual member of the human species comes into being.’ The bill does not include a carveout for IVF, though it does state that nothing in the bill should ‘be construed to authorize the prosecution of any woman for the death of her unborn child.’” [CNN, 2/26/24]
- The Life At Conception Act Did Not Provide Exceptions For Rape, Incest, Or The Life Of The Mother. According to the Cedar Rapids Gazette, “The tweet was referencing Hinsons’s support of the Life at Conception Act, a bill introduced in the House in February 2021, Mathis’s campaign told the Fact Checker. It has not passed the Democratic-controlled House. Hinson is among 163 Republican co-sponsors of H.R. 1011, a proposal that guarantees a constitutional ‘right to life of each born and preborn human person.’ This legislation is a personhood bill, one of many proposals over the years that aims to block abortions at all stages by legally recognizing all stages of human development as persons. The bill defines human beings protected under this measure as those ‘at all stages of life, including the moment of fertilization, cloning, or other moment at which an individual member of the human species comes into being.’ The bill’s language states this constitutional right is ‘vested in each human being,’ and does not indicate any exceptions in cases of rape, incest or when the pregnant person is at risk.” [Cedar Rapids Gazette, 7/11/22]
¶ Wilson Pushed An anti-abortion measure that Was rooted in misinformation
1/23/25: Wilson Cosponsored The So-Called “Born-Alive” Bill. [H.R. 21, “Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act,” Introduced 1/3/25, Cosponsored 1/9/25]
- KFF: “Claims Of Abortions Occurring ‘Moments Before Birth’ Or Even ‘After Birth’ Are False. These Scenarios Do Not Occur, Nor Are They Legal In The United States." According to KFF, "Claims of abortions occurring ‘moments before birth’ or even ‘after birth’ are false. These scenarios do not occur, nor are they legal in the United States." [KFF, 2/21/24]
- CNN: “It Is Already Considered Homicide In The US To Intentionally Kill An Infant That Is Born Alive.” According to CNN, “Opponents have argued that such measures restrict abortion access by threatening health care providers. It is already considered homicide in the US to intentionally kill an infant that is born alive.” [CNN, 1/12/23]
¶ Wilson Touted His Support For Legislation That Restricted WOMEN’S Ability To Receive An Abortion
114th Congress: Wilson Said He Was “Committed To Protecting The Unborn” And Touted His Support For The “No Taxpayer Funding For Abortion And Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act.” According to a press release from Rep. Joe Wilson, “Protecting the lives of those who cannot protect themselves has always been critically important to me, as I have represented South Carolinians both in the State House and in Washington. Recently, I, along with my colleagues in the House of Representatives, took a decisive stand by passing H.R.7, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2015. This needed legislation ensures that abortions are not funded with taxpayer dollars and institutes stringent reporting requirements on insurance companies, forcing them to fully disclose information regarding abortion coverage in each plan.” [Press Release – Rep. Joe Wilson, Viewed 1/15/26]
- Wilson Touted His Support For Other Pieces Of Anti-Abortion Legislation, Including The “Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act” And “Title X Abortion Provide Prohibition Act.” According to a press release from Rep. Joe Wilson, “Additionally, I have proudly cosponsored H.R. 36, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, which prohibits an abortion of an unborn child that has surpassed 20 weeks after fertilization, on the basis that children at this stage of development can feel pain. While this legislation is a good start, we must remain vigilant in our support of the vulnerable unborn. I have also supported H.R. 217, the Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act, which prevents Title X grants from going to organizations that use abortion as the primary method of family planning. No taxpayer dollars should be used to fund abortions, and this bill, which is awaiting further consideration in the House of Representatives, would be a positive step in the right direction. As the 114th Congress continues, please be assured that I will continue the fight for a strong pro-life agenda to protect the unborn and promote pro-family legislation on behalf of all Americans.” [Press Release – Rep. Joe Wilson, Viewed 1/15/26]
October 2017: Wilson Supported The “Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act,” Which Criminalized Performing Abortions On Fetuses 20 Weeks Or Older. According to a press release from Rep. Joe Wilson, “Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) today expressed his support for H.R. 36, Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The bill, which bans abortions 20 weeks or more after fertilization, gives millions of unborn children a chance to live. ‘Every life is precious, has value, and is blessed by God,’ said Congressman Wilson. ‘Working together with pro-life leaders such South Carolina Citizens for Life – and its executive director Holly Gatling – I have fought to protect unborn babies, and I will continue to do so, because those who can't speak for themselves deserve a voice.’” [Press Release – Rep. Joe Wilson, 10/3/17]
- According To The Institute For Women’s Policy Research, Abortion Bans Of Any Length Have Been Shown To Have A Causal Impact On Women’s Economic Well-Being. According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, “As much as we believe abortion access should be a simple question of health and rights, the reality is that for millions of women, issues of reproductive autonomy are not just tied to healthcare and freedom but also economic well-being. As Senator Sheldon Whitehouse stated, ’Reproductive justice is economic justice.’ Similarly, IWPR’s research finds that not only does reproductive healthcare have an impact on women’s economic well-being, but it also has a CAUSAL impact. Put simply, this means that there is a robust and clear line between the cause (reproductive rights) and effect (economic well-being). According to IWPR research, abortion restrictions have a detrimental cost on women’s health and education leading to disproportionate impacts on the national and state economy. IWPR’s analysis shows that restrictions on abortion cost the U.S. an average of $173 billion per year. On an individual level, abortion restrictions lower the likelihood a woman will graduate from school (both high school and college), lower her overall lifetime earnings, and ultimately lead to poorer outcomes for her children. Additionally, in states where abortion is banned, women work more hours per week, have a lower income, become mothers earlier, and give birth to more children. Access to abortion is especially important for economically vulnerable groups: denying abortion increases poverty among individuals. Conversely, reducing poverty can decrease the need for abortions.” [Institute for Women’s Policy Research, 3/1/24]
- According To The Gender Equity Policy Institute, Women Who Lived Under Abortion Bans Were Significantly More Likely To Die During Pregnancy, While Giving Birth Or Soon After The Birth Of Their Child Than Women Not Living Under Abortion Bans. According to the Gender Equity Policy Institute, “Women who lived in states that ban abortion were significantly more likely to die during pregnancy, while giving birth, or soon after the birth of their child, compared to those who lived in states where abortion care was legal and accessible, our analysis shows. A mother’s risk of dying was nearly twice as high in the banned states. In some states, the risk was even higher. Mothers in Louisiana, for example, were three times as likely as mothers in supportive states to die during pregnancy, childbirth, or soon after giving birth. In the 24 states where abortion is legal and accessible (supportive states), mothers are more likely to survive pregnancy. Likewise, the trends on maternal mortality are moving in an encouraging direction. Maternal mortality went down 21 percent in these states post-Dobbs. A decline of 16 percent took place in the U.S. overall.” [Gender Equity Policy Institute, Viewed 3/2/26]
¶ Wilson Called The Overturning Of Roe V. Wade The “Correct” Decision
Wilson Called The Supreme Court’s Decision To Overturn Roe V. Wade The “Correct One” And Vowed To “Always Be A Champion For The Unborn.” Rep. Joe Wilson tweeted, “I believe today’s Supreme Court decision of overturning Roe v. Wade was the correct one. I am grateful for the determined efforts of the Right-to-Life movement. The decision on abortion should be left up to the states. I will always be a champion for the unborn.”
[Twitter, @RepJoeWilson, 6/24/22]
- Wilson Called Roe V. Wade An “Unconscionable Decision” And Said He Was “Grateful” It Was Overturned By The Supreme Court. Rep. Joe Wilson tweeted, “As we approach the 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, I am grateful that this unconscionable decision has been finally overturned. Every life is sacred and must be protected.”
[Twitter, @RepJoeWilson, 1/20/23]
¶ Wilson Consistently Received an a+ rating from the anti-choice susan b. anthony’s list
118th Congress: Wilson Received An “A+” Rating From Anti-Abortion Organization Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America. According to the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America website,
[Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, “Scorecard,” Viewed 1/15/26]
117th Congress: Wilson Received An “A+” Rating From Anti-Abortion Organization Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America. According to the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America website,
[Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America via Wayback Machine, “Scorecard,” 6/29/22]
116th Congress: Wilson Received An “A+” Rating From Anti-Abortion Organization Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America. According to the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America website,
[Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America via Wayback Machine, “Scorecard,” 6/29/22]
- Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America Sought To “End Abortion.” According to the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America website, “SBA Pro-Life America's mission is to end abortion by electing national leaders and advocating for laws that save lives, with a special calling to promote pro-life women leaders.” [Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America Website, “About,” Viewed 1/6/26]