S.C. Code § 44-41-630

Current through 2024 Act No. 225.

Section 44-41-630 - Obstetric ultrasound; display of images; recording written medical description of images of fetal heartbeat; penalties

(A) An abortion provider who is to perform or induce an abortion, a certified technician, or another agent of the abortion provider who is competent in ultrasonography shall:

(1) perform an obstetric ultrasound on the pregnant woman, using whichever method the physician and pregnant woman agree is best under the circumstances;

(2) during the performance of the ultrasound, display the ultrasound images so that the pregnant woman may view the images; and

(3) record a written medical description of the ultrasound images of the unborn child's fetal heartbeat, if present and viewable.

(B) Except as provided in Section 44-41-640, Section 44-41-650, and Section 44-41-660, no person shall perform or induce an abortion on a pregnant woman with the specific intent of causing or abetting an abortion if the unborn child's fetal heartbeat has been detected in accordance with Section 44-41-330(A). A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined ten thousand dollars, imprisoned for not more than two years, or both.

S.C. Code § 44-41-630

Amended by 2023 S.C. Acts, Act No. 70 (SB 474),s 2, eff. 5/25/2023.

Added by 2021 S.C. Acts, Act No. 1 (SB 1),s 3, eff. 2/18/2021.

2023 Act No. 70, Sections 11 and 12, provide as follows:

"SECTION 11. The Public Employee Benefit Authority and the State Health Plan shall cover prescribed contraceptives for dependents under the same terms and conditions that the Plan provides contraceptive coverage for employees and spouses. The State Health Plan shall not apply patient cost sharing provisions to covered contraceptives.

"SECTION 12. The President of the Senate, on behalf of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, on behalf of the House of Representatives have an unconditional right to intervene on behalf of their respective bodies in a state court action and may provide evidence or argument, written or oral, if a party to that court action challenges the constitutionality of this act. In a federal court action that challenges the constitutionality of this act the Legislature may seek to intervene, to file an amicus brief, or to present arguments in accordance with federal rules of procedure. Intervention by the Legislature pursuant to this provision does not limit the duty of the Attorney General to appear and prosecute legal actions or defend state agencies, officers or employees as otherwise provided. In any action in which the Legislature intervenes or participates, the Senate and the House of Representatives shall function independently from each other in the representation of their respective clients."