SC legislative records: on Abortion

Lee Bright: Require 24 hours after ultrasound before abortion

Summary by South Carolina Legislature: Bill to amend laws relating to prerequisites to performing an abortion:
• The woman must be informed of the probable gestational age of the embryo or fetus.
• If an ultrasound is performed, an abortion may not be performed sooner than 24 hours (an increase from 1 hour) following completion of the ultrasound.
• The woman must be presented a written form containing the following statement: 'You have the right to review printed materials prepared by the State of South Carolina which describe fetal development, list agencies which offer alternatives to abortion, and describe medical assistance benefits which may be available for prenatal care, childbirth, and neonatal care.'
• The woman must certify receipt of the written materials to the physician or the physician's agent.

Tim Scott: Don't require 24 hours after ultrasound; 1 hour is enough

Summary by South Carolina Legislature: Bill to amend laws relating to prerequisites to performing an abortion:
• The woman must be informed of the probable gestational age of the embryo or fetus.
• If an ultrasound is performed, an abortion may not be performed sooner than 24 hours (an increase from 1 hour) following completion of the ultrasound.
• The woman must be presented a written form containing the following statement: 'You have the right to review printed materials prepared by the State of South Carolina which describe fetal development, list agencies which offer alternatives to abortion, and describe medical assistance benefits which may be available for prenatal care, childbirth, and neonatal care.'
• The woman must certify receipt of the written materials to the physician or the physician's agent.

Henry McMaster: Signed Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act

Governor's statement in support (CNN 5/25): "The Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act will begin saving the lives of unborn children immediately," McMaster said. "We stand ready to defend this legislation against any challenges and are confident we will succeed."

Planned Parenthood statement in opposition (CNN 5/25): Senate Bill 474 bans most abortions before many women know they are pregnant. Any physician who knowingly violates the law will have their license revoked by the State Board of Medical Examiners and could face felony charges. A similar six-week abortion ban passed in 2021 but struck down by the state Supreme Court

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 82-32-10 on May/17/23; passed Senate 27-19-0 on May/23/23; Signed by Gov. McMaster on May/25/23