Planned Parenthood, others file lawsuit against S.C. newly signed abortion ban
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH) — Several abortion and health advocacy groups have filed a lawsuit challenging South Carolina's newly-signed six-week abortion law shortly after it was signed into law Thursday.
The announcement came from Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, stating that they, along with the Greenville Women's Clinic, and two physicians have filed a joint lawsuit against the bill.
REACTIONS | Reactions to the new six-week abortion ban act in South Carolina
"State lawmakers have once again trampled on our right to make private health care decisions, ignoring warnings from health care providers, and precedent set by the state's highest court just a few months ago," according to PP South Atlantic President and CEO Jenny Black in a statement posted to their Twitter page.
Planned Parenthood, et. al, also filed an injunction against the abortion ban.
In response to the suit, Gov. McMaster has ordered a request to intervene, allowing his involvement in trial-related matters, according to court documents.
Around noon on Thursday, Governor Henry McMaster signed into law Senate Bill 474, now known as the Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act, after three other failed attempts to put it into law.
The bill places similar restrictions on Abortion, much like one signed in 2021, that blocks abortions after six weeks in most cases and after 12 weeks in the instance of rape, incest, and in the event of the mother's health.
A primary difference between both bills is that the one signed by McMaster on May 25 took effect immediately upon signing. The 2021 bill was unable to take effect until the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, and was later deemed unconstitutional by the state's highest court in January 2023.
The first court hearing for the bill will take place on Friday at 10:30 a.m.
Judge Clifton Newman will preside over the hearing.
