South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) signed a bill into law on Thursdaybanning most abortions in the state.
Driving the news: Planned Parenthood filed a lawsuit in response, effectively blocking the measure from going into effect.
- The House passed the bill by a 79-35 vote on Wednesday, and gave final approval in a second vote Thursday.
- South Carolina joins about a dozen other states that have passed similar legislation in recent years.
Details: The"South Carolina Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act" requires physicians to check for a heartbeat in the fetus.
- If a heartbeat is detected — which typically occurs between six and eight weeks after conception — an abortion can be pursued only if the pregnancy was the result of rape or incest, or if the pregnant person's life is in danger.
- In cases of rape or incest, doctors who offer the procedure are required to report the crime to local law enforcement.
- A pregnant person would not be punished for having an illegal abortion, but anyone who performs the operation may be charged with a felony, sentenced up to two years in jail and fined $10,000 if found guilty.
Yes, but: Opponents say many people don't know they are pregnant even after the six- to eight-week mark.
The big picture, via AP: "All of the bans passed by other states are tied up in court challenges."
Go deeper: Life after Roe v. Wade