South Carolina

What's Happening in South Carolina?

As of now, a patient must receive state-mandated counseling that is designed to discourage abortion 24 hours before receiving an abortion. Health plans offered in the state’s health exchange under the Affordable Care Act and health plans of public employees only cover abortion in cases of life endangerment, incest or rape. However, public funding is available for abortion in those circumstances. Telemedicine cannot be used to administer medicated abortions. Minors who are under age 17 must have consent from their parent or guardian before getting an abortion. Abortions cannot be performed after 20 weeks unless it is a case of life endangerment, severely compromised health or a lethal fetal anomaly. All abortion facilities in South Carolina are subject to burdensome laws that put unnecessary stipulations on staff, physical locations and equipment.

In the Legislature

Senate Bill 1: This bill enacts that South Carolina Fetal Heart Beat and Protection from Abortion Act. This act requires that doctors look for a fetal heartbeat prior to performing an abortion. If a heartbeat is detected, they must not complete the abortion. Physicians are required to keep documentation of these cases for prolonged periods of time.

In the Courts

In February, the 4th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals blocked the fetal heartbeat legislation from being implemented in the state. However, if Roe v. Wade is overturned by the Supreme Court of the United States, this decision could be reversed. Click HERE to learn more about this case.