Bill > H3012

This bill establishes the Pregnancy Center Autonomy and Rights of Expression (CARE) Act, which provides legal protections for pregnancy centers in South Carolina. The legislation defines pregnancy centers as nonprofit organizations that promote childbirth and alternatives to abortion, offering resources, counseling, and support to women, children, and families. The bill prohibits state, county, city, and municipal officials from requiring pregnancy centers to perform, refer, or counsel for abortions, abortion-inducing drugs, or contraception, and prevents these entities from interfering with the centers' operations, staffing, or hiring practices based on their life-affirming mission. The act specifically protects pregnancy centers' ability to provide services like pregnancy tests, counseling, medical testing, and resources such as diapers and baby clothes without being penalized for not offering abortion-related services. If a pregnancy center or an aggrieved party experiences a violation of these provisions, they can file a civil action and potentially recover damages up to three times their actual damages, with a minimum recovery of $10,000, plus attorneys' fees. The bill emphasizes the centers' role in providing comprehensive, compassionate support to women facing unexpected pregnancies and encourages them to make informed choices about childbirth and parenting.

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https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3012&session=126&summary=B