1. What are the late-term abortion laws in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, a woman may not receive an abortion after 20 weeks gestation, unless her life is in danger.

2. Is there a gestational limit on abortions in South Carolina?

Yes, abortions in South Carolina are prohibited after 20 weeks of pregnancy, except in cases where the pregnant woman’s life or health is at risk.

3. Is there a ban on late-term abortions in South Carolina?

Yes, South Carolina has a ban on late-term abortions. The state prohibits most abortions after 20 weeks of gestation, with exceptions for medical emergencies or when the woman’s life is at risk.

4. Who can authorize a late-term abortion procedure in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, a late-term abortion procedure can be authorized by a physician who is a reproductive health care provider licensed to practice in South Carolina and who has completed the appropriate medical training and certification.

5. How does South Carolina define a “late-term abortion”?

In South Carolina, a late-term abortion is defined as any abortion performed after 20 weeks of pregnancy. This includes both dilation and evacuation (D&E) and induction abortions. After 20 weeks, a woman must receive approval from two doctors before obtaining an abortion.

6. Are there any exceptions to late-term abortion bans in South Carolina?

No, South Carolina has a near-total ban on late-term abortions. In South Carolina, a woman may not have an abortion during or after the twentieth week of pregnancy, and any doctor who performs a late-term abortion can be charged with a crime. There are no exceptions to this ban.

7. Are there any parental notification laws for minors seeking abortions in South Carolina?

Yes, South Carolina requires that one parent or legal guardian of a minor must be notified forty-eight hours before the minor receives an abortion. In certain circumstances, a judge may waive the notification requirement.

8. What are the informed consent requirements for abortions in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, women seeking an abortion must provide informed consent before the procedure can take place. This includes information about the nature of the procedure, the risks, and the alternatives. The woman must receive this information in writing and sign a statement that she has been informed and understands the risks and alternatives. The woman must also sign a separate waiver of her right to receive state-directed counseling and to view an active ultrasound image of the fetus prior to the abortion procedure.

9. Does South Carolina require waiting periods for abortions?

Yes. South Carolina requires a 24-hour waiting period before an abortion can be performed.

10. Are there any laws requiring ultrasounds before abortions in South Carolina?

Yes. South Carolina requires abortion providers to offer patients an ultrasound and the opportunity to view or obtain a picture of the image, The law also requires that a medical professional explain the information observed in the ultrasound to the patient before they can proceed with an abortion.

11. Does South Carolina have any bans on sex-selective abortions?

Yes, South Carolina has enacted a ban on sex-selective abortions. The law states that no abortion may be performed if the primary purpose is to select the gender of the fetus.

12. Are there restrictions on public funding of abortions in South Carolina?

Yes. South Carolina has a number of restrictions on the use of public funding for abortions. These restrictions include that public funding is limited to cases of life endangerment, rape, and incest; abortions must be performed in a hospital; and parental notification is required for minors.

13. Does South Carolina have any laws regulating the sale of abortifacients (drugs that induce abortion)?

Yes, South Carolina has laws regulating the sale of abortifacients. It is illegal to prescribe, dispense, give away or sell abortifacients, or to assist in obtaining them in any way. Healthcare providers who violate this law could face criminal prosecution and civil liability. In addition, anyone who knowingly or recklessly sells, prescribes, administers or provides an abortifacient is guilty of a misdemeanor and may face a fine, imprisonment, or both.

14. Does South Carolina require counselling before an abortion procedure?

Yes, South Carolina requires that all women seeking an abortion receive state-directed counseling that includes information designed to discourage the woman from having an abortion and then wait at least 24 hours before the procedure is provided.

15. Are there any regulations on the disposal of fetal remains after an abortion procedure in South Carolina?

Yes. According to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, fetal remains must be disposed of in a manner approved by regulations. The approved methods of disposal are cremation, interment in a cemetery, or incineration.

16. Does South Carolina recognize any conscientious objection rights for health care providers who object to performing abortions?

Yes, South Carolina recognizes conscientious objection rights for health care providers who object to performing abortions. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) allows health care providers to opt out of providing abortion services due to religious or moral beliefs, as long as they notify SCDHEC in writing. Providers are required to provide written notice of their objection to their employer and must arrange for an alternate provider if the employer continues to require the provision of abortion services.

17. Does South Carolina have any laws protecting healthcare providers from being discriminated against for participating in abortion procedures?

Yes, South Carolina has laws protecting healthcare providers from being discriminated against or punished in any way for participating in abortion procedures. The state laws include protection from civil liability, employment discrimination, and professional discipline.

18. Are there any laws concerning the transportation of minors across state lines to obtain abortions in South Carolina?

Yes. South Carolina law requires that any minor seeking an abortion must obtain consent from a parent or guardian, or obtain a court order waiving the parental consent requirement. Minors who are unable to obtain parental consent may be transported across state lines to obtain an abortion.

19. Are there restrictions on the use of telemedicine for abortion services in South Carolina?

Yes. South Carolina’s telemedicine abortion laws restrict the use of telemedicine for abortion services. Telemedicine abortion must be performed in an in-person setting with a physician present, and the physician must be physically present during the entire procedure. Additionally, a second physician must be present to ensure that appropriate medical safeguards are in place and the woman is informed of all risks and benefits associated with the procedure.

20. Does South Carolina have any laws criminalizing the performance of self-induced abortions or assisting others with self-induced abortions?

Yes. South Carolina has laws criminalizing both the performance of self-induced abortions and assisting others with self-induced abortions. Under South Carolina law, performing or attempting to perform an abortion on oneself or assisting another person to do so is a felony offense, punishable by up to three years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.