Everything you need to know about the South Carolina Prenatal Equal Protection Act of 2023

A very controversial bill was introduced to the South Carolina House on January 10, 2023. This bill is the South Carolina Prenatal Equal Protection Act of 2023. 

The purpose of the introduced bill is to amend South Carolina Laws to include unborn fetuses in the definition of person which would not include any limitations based on the trimester of pregnancy the fetus is in. The bill states: “ensure that an unborn child who is a victim of homicide is afforded equal protection”. South Carolina has the death penalty as a possible sentence for homicide, meaning that the South Carolina Prenatal Equal Protection Act opens up the door for prosecutors to attempt to get women sentenced to death for abortion.  

The bill has no exceptions for rape or incest, but does include exceptions for when the procedure is used to save the life of the mother.

As of April 19, 2023, the bill has 13 sponsors; two of whom are women. Fortunately, it is very unlikely that this bill will ever pass on to the South Carolina Senate or ever become law. However, it is terrifying that bills like this are even being considered by legislatures in the United States.

Works Cited:

2023-2024 Bill 3549: South Carolina Prenatal Equal Protection Act of 2023 – South Carolina Legislature Online, https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess125_2023-2024/bills/3549.htm.