South Carolina Six-Week Abortion Ban Upheld

The South Carolina Supreme Court has upheld the state’s 2023 Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act, maintaining the approximate six-week abortion ban. The ruling clarified “fetal heartbeat” as a “biologically identifiable moment” of cardiac activity. Exceptions exist for rape, incest (up to 12 weeks), medical emergencies, and fatal fetal anomalies. While Attorney General Alan Wilson and Governor Henry McMaster lauded the decision as a win for life, the ACLU of South Carolina criticized it, arguing it endangers pregnant individuals and restricts essential care.