Gov. McMaster signs six-week abortion ban, lawsuit filed to block Act
Photo:SC Governor’s Office
Columbia, S.C. (WOLO)– Gov. Henry McMaster signed he Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act, into law Thursday.
The press was not invited to today’s signing.
“With my signature, the Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act is now law and will begin saving the lives of unborn children immediately,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “This is a great day for life in South Carolina, but the fight is not over. We stand ready to defend this legislation against any challenges and are confident we will succeed. The right to life must be preserved, and we will do everything we can to protect it.”
The Act protects life by prohibiting abortions after a fetal heartbeat has been detected, with exceptions for the life or health of the mother, medical emergencies, fatal fetal anomalies, and, up to twelve weeks of pregnancy, in cases of rape or incest.
The measure was passed by both the House and the Senate during an extended special session of the state legislature.
Shortly after the bill signing, Planned Parenthood South Atlantic filed a lawsuit to block the Fetal Heartbeat Act.
In a release to ABC Columbia News from the Center for Reproductive Rights: Today, Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, Greenville Women’s Clinic, and two physician-plaintiffs filed suit in state court seeking to block South Carolina’s newly-enacted ban on abortion after approximately six weeks of pregnancy.
Statement from Nancy Northup, President and CEO, Center for Reproductive Rights:
“South Carolina lawmakers have doubled down on restricting access to constitutionally protected healthcare, passing a six-week ban that is nearly identical to one that was recently struck down. But the South Carolina Supreme Court was clear – banning abortion after approximately six weeks was unconstitutional six months ago, and it’s still unconstitutional now. South Carolinians’ rights are once again being violated, but we will continue to fight
If it survives the legal challenges this time South Carolina will join much of the southeast with some type of ban on abortion.
