19-03-2025
Upcoming ‘sister senators' documentary to be previewed during Charleston event
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) — A documentary in the works for several years about the five women in the South Carolina Senate who banded together to block a near-total abortion ban in the state is nearing completion.
A sneak peek of the documentary will be shown at a March 20 event at the Gaillard Auditorium in downtown Charleston. A moderated conservation with the 'sister senators' is expected to follow.
The documentary follows State Sen. Margie Bright Matthews and former Sens. Sandy Senn, Penry Gustafson, Katrina Shealy, and Mia McLeod as they 'battle political divide and misogyny' in the South Carolina legislature Variety reported.
The women gained national attention after they formed a bipartisan coalition to block a near-total abortion ban that did not include exceptions for rape or incest from passing in 2023.
The state instead ended up with a ban on almost all abortions once cardiac activity is detected, which is usually around six weeks. That law is currently before the South Carolina Supreme Court.
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Later that year, the senators were recognized for their efforts with the JFK Foundation's Profile in Courage Award.
But, for the three Republican women — Senn, Gustafson, and Shealy — their stand against the party came with electoral consequences. All three lost their June primary races in the 2024 election, leaving only two women in the upper chamber. McLeod did not run for re-election.
The documentary is directed by Orangeburg filmmaker Emily Harrold and produced by Peabody Award-winner Robin Hessman.
The event is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. at 95 Calhoun Street.
Tickets can be purchased here. Organizers said proceeds will go to the Southern Documentary Fund to support completion.
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