Today, by a vote of 27-16, the S.C. Senate passed a significantly amended version of House Bill 5399: the Human Life Protection Act, negating its original purpose to eliminate most abortions in S.C., while protecting the life of the mother.
The amended House Bill 5399 protects all preborn children after a physician can detect a heartbeat. The bill also amends a specific clause that came into question in a recent decision by the S.C. Supreme Court temporarily enjoining the S.C. Fetal Heartbeat Act.
Additional positive changes in House Bill 5399 include:
Shortens the time period in which a victim of rape or incest can receive an abortion – from 20 weeks to 12 weeks post-fertilization.
Eliminates all funding in the S.C. budget for Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in the state.
Eliminates all funding for abortions in the state provided medical plan for all public employees.
Requires a second opinion from a physician regarding a lethal fetal anomaly diagnosis before an abortion can occur.
While this legislation has passed the S.C. Senate, the House must concur and accept these changes or send the legislation to a conference committee. These negotiations will require great tact and prayer.
The battle for life will continue until abortion is unthinkable. Please join our movement to protect, serve and love women and children in SC. To see how you can join our movement, click: www.bornforthis.life