Planned Parenthood loses legal fight over South Carolina’s fetal heartbeat law.
Pro-life officials in South Carolina were rejoicing on Friday following a state judge’s decision to reject a Planned Parenthood motion aiming to relax the state’s six-week abortion ban.
The ruling in Columbia denied the reproductive health care organization’s request for a preliminary injunction to extend the abortion limit from six weeks to nine weeks, as reported by The State newspaper.
The proponents of the 2023 law were optimistic and showed strong confidence that South Carolina would continue to be a sanctuary for the unborn, despite possible appeals from Planned Parenthood.
The state law defines a “fetal heartbeat” as “cardiac activity or the steady and repetitive rhythmic contraction of the fetal heart, within the gestational sac,” according to the Charleston Post & Courier. Judge Daniel Coble emphasized in his decision that the legislature’s intention was clear in establishing a six-week time frame.
Planned Parenthood argued that since the law came into effect, 75% of women seeking abortion services were turned down due to the time limitations. They claimed that nearly 7/8 of those women could have had the procedure if allowed at the nine-week mark.
Critics of the law raised concerns that many women are unaware of their pregnancy at just six weeks. However, South Carolina attested that a fetal heartbeat is detectable at six weeks, even if the heart is not fully developed.
Planned Parenthood spokesperson Black stated, “Given the impact of this case on thousands of patients across South Carolina who have been unfairly denied abortion care, we will continue to demand that the courts apply the law as written. This fight is not over.”
The law does provide exceptions for cases where the life or health of the mother is at risk, as well as in instances of rape or incest that are reported to law enforcement within 12 weeks.
The state’s three abortion providers are located in the major cities of Greenville, Columbia, and Charleston. Despite legal challenges in the past, the latest six-week abortion ban has endured legal scrutiny.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster signed the bill into law on Feb. 18, 2021, laying the groundwork for strict abortion regulations in the state.
The heartbeat law faced legal hurdles before, with the South Carolina Supreme Court previously striking down a similar six-week ban over privacy concerns. However, a subsequent version of the law was upheld, leading to the current regulations in place.
It is worth noting that the Planned Parenthood South Atlantic organization remains dedicated to supporting patients navigating the limitations imposed by South Carolina’s abortion ban.
While the battle over the state’s abortion laws continues, the emphasis remains on providing necessary care to patients seeking help, regardless of the legal constraints.
