The South Carolina Legislature has given final approval to a bill that would save babies from abortion by banning abortions after 6 weeks, when a fetus's heartbeat can be heard. The measure now goes to South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster to sign into law.
On Tuesday, the Senate voted 27-19 on the House's amendments to the six-week abortion ban, which would prohibit abortion as soon as a heartbeat becomes detectable.
Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey
The pro-life bill also contains exceptions. In the case of rape and incest, the pregnancy can be terminated up to the age of 12 weeks, or if a fatal fetal abnormality is experienced or the mother's life is in danger during pregnancy. According to the House amendments, the bill includes several new requirements, such as that child support must be calculated from the date of conception and that a judge can decide whether a minor is eligible for an abortion if a parent or guardian is not available.
“South Carolina Heartbeat Protection reflects the will of the people and science. A heartbeat is considered one of the most important vital signs of life, and if a heartbeat is detected, the baby has more than a 90% chance of surviving birth. This action saves thousands of lives every year,” Massey told LifeNews. “We appreciate the perseverance of members of the South Carolina House of Representatives during the marathon days last week when Democrats filed 1,000 amendments as a stalling tactic to continue late-term abortions, and we are grateful that the Senate today sent this much-needed protection to Governor McMaster. "
South Carolina will soon join 18 states that protect babies from abortion at 15 weeks or earlier.
The previous heartbeat law was struck down by the state Supreme Court, leaving open the possibility of a new measure being passed. The Legislature was nearing completion of the heartbeat law when the session ended, but McMaster ordered a special legislative session to move the bill forward.
The bill was passed by the House of Representatives 82-33, largely along political lines, but two Democratic representatives joined the Republicans.
According to the State Department of Health and Environmental Protection Inspection, there are currently 1,000 abortions per month in the Palm State, mainly due to out-of-state abortion traffic. This means that the law would save hundreds of babies every month and thousands every year.
Source: LifeNews.com
(Credit Image: Getty Images )
