The law takes effect immediately.
In the past, it has been possible to perform an abortion in the state up to 22 weeks into the pregnancy – making South Carolina one of the states with relatively loose abortion restrictions in the southeastern United States.
South Carolina’s decision further restricts access to abortion in the region – with North Carolina banning most abortions after twelve weeks of pregnancy as of July 1. Tougher restrictions are also underway in Florida.
South Carolina’s abortion law prohibits abortion when cardiac activity is detected by ultrasound at about six weeks. Then most people do not know that they are pregnant.
The law includes certain exceptions, such as if the pregnant woman has been subjected to rape or incest – then you have the right to an abortion up to twelve weeks.
Since the Supreme Court in June 2022 overturned the ruling in the Roe v. Wade court case from 1973, about 15 states in the United States have tightened their abortion laws.