Columbia, S.C., Nov 6, 2019 / 15:14 pm
As the South Carolina legislature considers a bill that would ban most abortions after an unborn baby's heartbeat is detectable, a Senate committee vote has restored exemptions that would allow abortions in cases of rape or incest.
The bill will now head to the full state Senate for consideration. Gov. Henry McMaster has said he would sign the bill regardless of whether the exemption is present, the Associated Press reports.
The legislation would require doctors to test for an unborn baby's heartbeat before an abortion is performed. The heartbeat is detectable about six weeks into pregnancy.
Doctors who fail to comply could face criminal penalties if the bill becomes law. Women seeking abortions would not be subject to criminal prosecution.