The bill S. 431 aims to amend various sections of the South Carolina Code of Laws to clarify and establish legal frameworks surrounding parental rights in cases of assisted reproduction. It provides that the family court will have exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine actions related to assisted reproduction parental rights. Additionally, it updates definitions in Section 63-17-10 to include terms such as "assisted reproduction," "donor," and "intended parent," ensuring that the legal language reflects contemporary practices in assisted reproduction.

Furthermore, the bill amends Section 63-17-20 to outline jurisdictional matters concerning assisted reproduction agreements and specifies that the courts will have jurisdiction if any party resides in South Carolina or if the conception occurs within the state. It also includes provisions in Section 63-17-40 that treat donors of sperm or ova as not being the natural parents unless otherwise agreed in writing, and affirms that intended parents will be recognized as legal parents regardless of the use of donated genetic material. The bill is set to take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
03/06/2025: 63-3-530, 63-17-10, 63-17-20, 63-17-40
Latest Version: 63-3-530, 63-17-10, 63-17-20, 63-17-40