South Carolina Woman Challenges 'Heartbeat' Abortion Ban in Court

A lawsuit seeks to clarify the ambiguous point at which South Carolina's abortion ban takes effect, arguing for a nine-week threshold instead of six.

A South Carolina woman, supported by Planned Parenthood, has filed a lawsuit to clarify the state's 'heartbeat' abortion ban, arguing it should be interpreted to mean nine weeks of pregnancy.
The lawsuit challenges the current interpretation that bans abortion at six weeks, citing ambiguity in the law and the significant impact on women's access to abortion services.
The South Carolina Supreme Court previously upheld the ban but left open the question of when a fetal heartbeat can be detected.
Planned Parenthood South Atlantic reported providing only 303 abortions in South Carolina and turning away 906 patients, about 75 percent, between the enforcement of the ban and the filing of the lawsuit.
The lawsuit highlights the personal and logistical challenges faced by women seeking abortions, including the plaintiff's need to travel out of state to obtain care.