South Carolina Gov. Signs "Heartbeat Bill," but Planned Parenthood Prepares Lawsuit

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R)

On Thursday, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster signed the South Carolina Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act. This law bans any abortions in the state which take place after the aborted child's fetal heartbeat is detected.

The law took effect immediately, but it does include exceptions for medical emergencies, rape, incest, and fetal diagnoses. Doctors who violate the law by aborting a child after their heartbeat is detectable can face felony charges, fines, and jail time.

Pro-abortion House members walked out in protest of the bill during the debate, one going as far as to call it a “farce of a vote about pretend life.”

The vote in the House was very nearly along party lines, with only two Democrats voting in favor of the pro-life bill.

Planned Parenthood and the Center for Reproductive Rights announced that they will file a lawsuit against the heartbeat bill before the end of the day on Thursday, likely preventing the law from taking effect until the suit is resolved.

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