South Carolina Governor Signs 6-Week Abortion Ban

On Thursday, South Carolina GOP Gov. Henry McMaster signed a new law that prohibits abortions after the detection of any cardiac activity during an ultrasound, typically occurring around six weeks when many women are unaware of their pregnancy.

Prior to its enactment, abortions were legal in South Carolina until 22 weeks gestation.

The passage of this abortion ban immediately sets the stage for a confrontation with the state Supreme Court. Earlier this year, the court invalidated a similar law from 2021 that banned abortions at six weeks, ruling that it violated the constitutional right to privacy.