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South Carolina Senators Weigh Bill to Criminalize Abortion and Restrict IUDs, IVF

A Senate subcommittee takes up the proposal today with its prospects uncertain.

Overview

  • The measure would ban all abortions unless a patient's life is at risk and would remove rape and incest exceptions allowed under current law.
  • Patients, providers and people who assist could face prison sentences of up to 30 years under the proposal.
  • The legislation appears to outlaw contraception that prevents implantation, potentially affecting IUDs and emergency contraception, and it could limit in vitro fertilization.
  • Doctors could be penalized for discussing abortion or advising patients about where the procedure remains legal.
  • A Senate Medical Affairs subcommittee chaired by sponsor Sen. Richard Cash will consider possible changes today, as anti-abortion groups split over penalties for women and the bill's path is described as doubtful.