By Holly Gatling, Executive Director, South Carolina Citizens for Life
COLUMBIA, S.C. (Tuesday, May 23, 2023) – By a vote of 27-19, the South Carolina Senate approved the Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act (S474). The bill now goes to Governor Henry McMaster for his signature.
Tuesday’s vote was the final legislative action needed to protect unborn children in South Carolina when the fetal heartbeat can be detected. On May 16, the South Carolina House passed the law by a vote of 82-33.
Representative John McCravy, R-Greenwood, and Chairman of the House Family Caucus said the bill could be signed as early as Wednesday or Thursday. He said it is anticipated that the abortion industry will file an immediate legal challenge.