SC lawmakers set to consider heartbeat abortion ban

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – South Carolina lawmakers are considering legislation that would ban almost all abortions if a fetal heartbeat is detected which is typically around the sixth week of pregnancy.

The legislation would provide exceptions if a woman’s life is at risk.

Mississippi and Kentucky have passed similar proposals and Georgia’s governor is considering a similar ban.

Opponents of the bill say it would face an immediate legal challenge and say such proposals are another example of how women’s rights are stepped on by the government.

A House subcommittee takes testimony Tuesday morning and the bill is already on the full House Judiciary Committee agenda in the afternoon. It could be debated on the House floor later this week.

South Carolina has been in the forefront of more restrictive abortion laws over the past 35 years.