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Abortion Ban Proposal Faces Murky Future in South Carolina

Associated Press

   COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - A group of South Carolina senators restored
   exceptions for rape and incest on Tuesday to a measure that would ban
   nearly all abortions, then sent the bill to the Senate floor for a 2020
   election year fight.

   The exceptions had been removed by a smaller group of senators two
   months ago.

   The legislative back-and-forth continues as proponents worry the ban
   can't get passed without the exceptions. Three Republicans joined six
   Democrats on the Medical Affairs Committee in refusing to advance the
   bill, which allowed the exceptions to be restored.

   The "Fetal Heartbeat Protection from Abortion Act" would make almost
   all abortions illegal in South Carolina once fetal cardiac activity is
   detected, usually around six weeks after conception. The bill has
   always allowed an abortion if the mother's life is in danger.

   The committee passed the measure Tuesday on a 9-6 vote -- all
   Republicans voting for it and Democrats against it. Some Republicans
   have suggested senators never take up the bill, worrying the floor
   debate could rile voters in the upcoming elections.

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