Bill > H4654

This bill creates a new criminal offense in South Carolina called "Coercion to Obtain an Abortion," which makes it illegal for a person to use threats, intimidation, or manipulation to compel a pregnant woman to have an abortion against her will. The law specifically defines coercion broadly, including actions like threatening physical harm, abusing legal systems, destroying identification documents, controlling access to controlled substances, or creating financial harm. The penalties vary depending on the circumstances: for most individuals, the offense is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $5,000 or imprisonment up to one year, or both. However, if the person coercing the abortion is the father of the unborn child, is over 18, and the pregnant woman is a minor, the penalties increase to a fine up to $10,000 or imprisonment up to one year, or both. The bill references existing state law definitions for terms like "abortion" and "unborn child" and provides detailed descriptions of what constitutes coercion, emphasizing the protection of a woman's reproductive autonomy and her right to make her own medical decisions without external pressure or threats. The law will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Justice

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=4654&session=126&summary=B