The South Carolina Senate Medical Affairs Committee spent several hours Thursday scrutinizing Senate Bill 1095. Sponsored by Senator Richard Cash (R-Anderson), the “Unborn Child Protection Act” seeks to outlaw nearly all abortions from the point of a clinically diagnosable pregnancy, removing existing exceptions for rape, incest, and fatal fetal anomalies.
The proposal creates a narrow allowance only for medical emergencies to save the mother’s life. During the hearing, Senator Brad Hutto (D-Orangeburg) challenged the bill’s reach, questioning if residents could face prosecution for traveling out of state for the procedure. Cash clarified that the bill does not apply to actions taken in states where abortion remains legal.
However, Hutto and other opponents expressed concern over the domestic implications for healthcare workers. Hutto questioned whether nurses and assistants present during an illegal procedure could face charges for participating in an unlawful business. Senator Margie Bright Matthews (D-Colleton) also voiced disagreement over the lack of mental health exceptions, specifically for women suffering from severe postpartum depression. Cash maintained that the state must protect the unborn regardless of deformity or terminal status.
Supporters argue the bill protects life as soon as pregnancy is detected, while critics contend it creates legal peril for doctors and strips women of fundamental rights. The committee adjourned without a final vote and is expected to continue the debate in a future meeting before deciding whether to advance the legislation to the full Senate.
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