POLITICS

South Carolina Senate Advances Controversial Abortion Restriction Bill

PUBLISHED Apr 14, 2026, 11:29 PM ET

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Columbia, S.C. On Tuesday lawmakers held a public hearing and on Wednesday a Senate Medical Affairs subcommittee approved S.1095, the 'Unborn Child Protection Act,' which would make it unlawful to intentionally perform most abortions, restrict abortion-inducing drugs, and remove existing exceptions for rape, incest, and fatal fetal anomalies. The bill will go before the full Senate Medical Affairs Committee on Thursday; sponsors like Sen. Richard Cash say they seek stricter limits, while Planned Parenthood and other witnesses warned it would criminalize patients and providers. The subcommittee vote followed more than two hours of testimony and sets the stage for further debate and potential vote.

By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

November (prior cycle): Similar bill proposing jail for women was rejected in subcommittee.
Tuesday: Public hearing held with over two hours of testimony from doctors, pastors, legislators and residents.
Wednesday: Senate Medical Affairs Subcommittee approved S.1095 following the hearing.
Thursday: Full Senate Medical Affairs Committee scheduled to consider S.1095.
If enacted: State agencies would be directed to notify providers and pharmacists and new penalties would take effect.

News Intelligence

This bill could significantly change abortion access in South Carolina. If enacted, it would limit most abortions and remove exceptions for rape, incest, and fatal fetal anomalies. It could also impact the availability of abortion-inducing drugs.

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Who Benefited

Anti-abortion legislators and advocacy groups would gain broader legal authority and policy victories if S.1095 becomes law, enabling stricter enforcement and expanded restrictions on abortion access across South Carolina.

Who Impacted

Women seeking abortions, their healthcare providers, and reproductive-health organizations would face criminal penalties, reduced access to care, and increased legal risk under the proposed S.1095 restrictions.

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