The bill S. 27 seeks to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by establishing comprehensive regulations surrounding reproductive health rights, particularly concerning abortion access. It affirms that a woman may have an abortion prior to fetal viability and specifies conditions under which abortions may occur post-viability, such as to protect the woman's health or in cases of rape or incest. The legislation mandates the availability of assistive reproductive technologies and contraceptives, ensures quality prenatal and postnatal care, and expands Medicaid to support these services. It also allows for the prescription of abortion-inducing drugs via telemedicine and requires health insurance policies covering pregnancy to also include abortion services.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions regarding minors seeking abortions, including the right to appeal decisions without parental consent and mandates that related hearings and records be sealed. It outlines penalties for healthcare providers who do not comply with regulations concerning abortions for unemancipated minors. The bill expands insurance coverage requirements to include abortions and related services, emphasizes reproductive health education in schools, and repeals existing laws related to abortions, marking a significant shift in the legal framework governing reproductive rights in South Carolina. The act will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
12/11/2024: 44-140-10, 40-47-37, 38-71-48, 38-71-49, 59-32-10
Latest Version: 44-140-10, 40-47-37, 38-71-48, 38-71-49, 59-32-10