COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A proposed bill in South Carolina intends to empower judges to impose prison sentences of up to 30 years for women who seek abortions, alongside potential restrictions on intrauterine devices (IUDs) and in vitro fertilization. This legislative move, which will be reviewed by a small committee of senators, signifies one of the most stringent abortion measures in the country. If the subcommittee approves the bill, it will still face a long legislative journey ahead, raising doubts about its ultimate success.
Notably, this bill represents the most extensive legislative effort to restrict abortion since the Supreme Court's 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, enabling states to impose various forms of abortion bans. Presently, South Carolina prohibits abortions after around six weeks of gestation, typically before many women are even aware of their pregnancy. Exceptions exist for rape and incest victims up to 12 weeks.
The new proposal would only allow abortions if a woman's life is at risk and threatens to imprison not only women who receive abortions but also anyone who assists them. Moreover, the bill appears to outlaw any form of contraception that prevents implantation, jeopardizing access to IUDs and potentially impacting fertility treatments.
Concerns have been voiced regarding the bill's implications for medical professionals and their ability to advise patients. Republican Sen. Richard Cash, who sponsors the bill, admitted to problems with restricting contraception and the advice doctors could provide, although he has not suggested alterations to the current proposal.
The abortion debate remains contentious among conservative factions, with groups such as South Carolina Citizens for Life opposing the bill on the grounds that women seeking abortions should be seen as victims instead of offenders. Conversely, organizations like Equal Protection South Carolina firmly believe that "abortion is murder" and should reflect that in the law, escalating the ongoing divide within the anti-abortion movement.
Notably, this bill represents the most extensive legislative effort to restrict abortion since the Supreme Court's 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, enabling states to impose various forms of abortion bans. Presently, South Carolina prohibits abortions after around six weeks of gestation, typically before many women are even aware of their pregnancy. Exceptions exist for rape and incest victims up to 12 weeks.
The new proposal would only allow abortions if a woman's life is at risk and threatens to imprison not only women who receive abortions but also anyone who assists them. Moreover, the bill appears to outlaw any form of contraception that prevents implantation, jeopardizing access to IUDs and potentially impacting fertility treatments.
Concerns have been voiced regarding the bill's implications for medical professionals and their ability to advise patients. Republican Sen. Richard Cash, who sponsors the bill, admitted to problems with restricting contraception and the advice doctors could provide, although he has not suggested alterations to the current proposal.
The abortion debate remains contentious among conservative factions, with groups such as South Carolina Citizens for Life opposing the bill on the grounds that women seeking abortions should be seen as victims instead of offenders. Conversely, organizations like Equal Protection South Carolina firmly believe that "abortion is murder" and should reflect that in the law, escalating the ongoing divide within the anti-abortion movement.
