South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster signed into law a six-week abortion ban prohibiting abortions once an ultrasound detects cardiac activity.
The Fetal Heartbeat and Protection From Abortion Act, effective immediately, makes exceptions for rape or incest in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, medical emergencies, or fatal fetal anomalies.
“This is a great day for life in South Carolina, but the fight is not over,” McMaster said. “The right to life must be preserved, and we will do everything we can to protect it.”
Prior to the ban, abortions were legal in South Carolina for up to 22 weeks. Due to restrictions, most women had difficulty getting an abortion after 12 weeks.
South Carolina becomes the latest state to close down on the window for abortions in their state. The act follows similar bills in Nebraska, North Carolina, and Florida over the last two months.
Governor Jim Pillen, R-Neb., signed a bill banning abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy and gender-affirming care for women under 19.
“It’s about protecting our kids and saving babies. Pure and simple,” Pillen said.
On May 4, the North Carolina House approved a package of abortion restrictions to move the ban from 20 weeks after pregnancy down to 12.
Democrat Governor Roy Cooper opposed the bill, writing on Twitter, “I will veto this extreme ban and need everyone’s help to hold it.”
Governor Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., passed a six-week abortion bill in his state last month, saying, “We are proud to support life and family in the state of Florida,” in a statement.