S. 474 is now South Carolina law

A controversial bill that divides pro-life and pro-choice advocates is now South Carolina law.  Governor McMaster’s office announced this morning the state’s chief executive signed S. 474, the Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act into law.  Prohibited are abortions after a fetal heartbeat has been detected, with exceptions for the life of the mother, medical emergencies, fatal fetal anomalies, and, up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, in cases of rape or incest. In a statement, McMaster said, “We stand ready to defend this legislation against any challenges and are confident we will succeed.”