fetal heartbeat abortion ban

Over two dozen abortion-rights supporters attend a rally outside the South Carolina State House in Columbia, S.C., on Aug. 23, 2023. The South Carolina Supreme Court ruled to uphold a law banning most abortions except those in the earliest weeks of pregnancy.

'Something needs to change.' Woman denied abortion in South Carolina challenges ban

4:43pm February 20, 2024

by Victoria Hansen

The state law has been interpreted as banning abortion after six weeks of pregnancy. Planned Parenthood argues the ban is vague and shouldn't apply until at least three weeks later in pregnancy.

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A view of the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee. One Republican state lawmaker has introduced a restrictive abortion bill that is drawing comparisons to the ban recently enacted in Texas.

A Florida Lawmaker Is Proposing A Restrictive Texas-Style Abortion Bill

5:23pm September 23, 2021

by Rachel Treisman

The bill would ban most abortions as early as around six weeks, allow people to sue anyone who helps end a pregnancy after that point and fine physicians $10,000 for each such abortion they perform.

The term "fetal heartbeat," as used in the new anti-abortion law from Texas, is misleading, and not based on science, say physicians who specialize in reproductive health. What the ultrasound machine detects in a 6-week-old embryo is actually just electri

The Texas Abortion Ban Hinges On 'Fetal Heartbeat.' Doctors Call That Misleading

3:51pm September 03, 2021

by Selena Simmons-Duffin

The new Texas law bans abortions after a 'fetal heartbeat' is detected, usually about six weeks into pregnancy. But doctors say that's not an actual medical term, and it's being used inaccurately.

The bill, which was signed on Thursday, would prohibit abortion as soon as cardiac activity can be detected with an ultrasound, except in cases of rape, incest or when a mother's life is in danger.

Court Temporarily Blocks South Carolina Heartbeat Abortion Ban

10:15pm February 19, 2021

by Vanessa Romo

"Today, abortion remains safe and legal in South Carolina, and politicians' plan to restrict access to health care has failed," the region's Planned Parenthood president said following the decision.