The bill H. 4638 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Article 17 to Chapter 43, Title 44, which specifically addresses the sale and purchase of human embryos created through in vitro fertilization. It prohibits individuals from knowingly advertising, offering to purchase or sell, or transferring human embryos for valuable consideration, with the exception of reasonable costs related to their removal, storage, and transportation.

Violations of this new provision would be classified as felonies, with escalating penalties based on the number of offenses. A first offense could result in imprisonment for up to fifteen years, a second offense for up to thirty years, and a third or subsequent offense for up to forty-five years. The bill is set to take effect upon approval by the Governor.