The bill H. 4715 seeks to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws regarding wrongful death actions to include provisions specifically for unborn children at any stage of development. It allows parents to maintain a wrongful death action for a deceased unborn child and establishes that a violation of certain abortion laws serves as prima facie evidence for such actions. The bill also specifies that the mother, father, or both may bring the action, and they will be the only beneficiaries entitled to any damages awarded.

Additionally, the bill modifies the existing law on the approval of settlements in wrongful death actions, granting the parent initiating the action the authority to settle. It outlines the procedures for settling wrongful death claims, including requirements for court approval and the necessary documentation to support the settlement. The bill aims to clarify the legal standing of parents in wrongful death cases involving unborn children and streamline the settlement process for these actions.

Statutes affected:
12/17/2025: 15-51-10, 15-51-20, 15-51-42
Latest Version: 15-51-10, 15-51-20, 15-51-42