The "Human Life Protection Act" proposed in South Carolina aims to prohibit all abortions within the state, allowing exceptions only in cases of medical emergencies. The bill introduces new provisions, including Section 44-41-615, which criminalizes the administration of substances or procedures intended to cause an abortion, with penalties of up to two years in prison and fines of $10,000 for violators. Additionally, Section 44-41-685 is added to ensure the anonymity of women involved in legal proceedings related to abortions, requiring courts to protect their identities unless consent is given for disclosure.

The bill also amends existing laws related to abortion counseling for minors, eliminating references to a judicial bypass procedure, and repeals previous exceptions for rape, incest, and fatal fetal anomalies. It makes conforming changes to sections regarding the "Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act" and establishes the General Assembly's right to intervene in legal challenges to the act. The act is retitled as the "Human Life Protection Act" and is set to take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 44-41-615, 44-41-685, 44-41-610, 44-41-37, 44-41-60, 44-41-32, 44-41-650
02/05/2025: 44-41-615, 44-41-685, 44-41-610, 44-41-37, 44-41-60, 44-41-32, 44-41-650
Latest Version: 44-41-615, 44-41-685, 44-41-610, 44-41-37, 44-41-60, 44-41-32, 44-41-650