"The Unborn Child Protection Act"

South Carolina Senate Bill 323 

Known as “The Unborn Child Protection Act,” this bill aims to restrict abortion by granting legal personhood to fetuses at conception. Introduced by Senators Richard Cash and Rex Rice, the bill is framed as a moral effort to protect unborn life and address what supporters see as declining ethical standards regarding abortion. Advocates believe the legislation will reduce abortion rates and promote societal respect for life by offering legal protections to the unborn. This legislation raises ethical dilemmas around balancing fetal rights with women’s healthcare autonomy. Supporters emphasize protecting potential life, while opponents stress the importance of women’s rights to make personal medical decisions. These tensions reflect the broader national conflict over reproductive rights, with implications for healthcare access, social justice, and individual freedoms.