A proposed bill in the South Carolina Senate aims to impose a total abortion ban without exceptions, alongside potentially unconstitutional restrictions on speech, contraceptive access, and in vitro fertilization. Senate Bill 323, introduced by GOP Sen. Richard Cash, seeks to replace the state’s existing six-week abortion ban, which many health experts criticize as many women are unaware of their pregnancy within that timeframe. The bill, known as the Unborn Child Protection Act, would categorize abortion as a felony and make it illegal to provide abortion-related information, whether online or over the phone.
Women in South Carolina are advised to consult with their healthcare providers about contraceptive options to prevent unwanted pregnancies, as the bill proposes to redefine legal contraceptives, excluding those preventing ovulation or implantation. Emergency contraceptives like Plan B, which are often misunderstood as abortion medication, are intended to prevent pregnancy and not terminate it. However, the bill criminalizes the possession of any drug that could be used for abortion.
For those seeking abortion medications, options include ordering from other states or international pharmacies, but it’s crucial to understand the legal implications, as self-managed abortions are illegal in some regions and would be under this bill in South Carolina.
Organizations such as Planned Parenthood South Atlantic can provide guidance on reproductive health options, including arranging out-of-state appointments. With potential criminalization of informative calls, obtaining this information promptly is critical. The Carolina Abortion Fund is also available for financial and logistical support.
As of May 2024, Florida’s abortion ban leaves North Carolina as the nearest state for out-of-state procedures for South Carolina women, where abortions are restricted to 12 weeks and require two visits.
