South Carolina Governor, Henry McMaster, signed the Fetal Heartbeat Bill into law Thursday, February 18, 2021. The new law prohibits most abortions after the heartbeat of the unborn baby is detected, which is usually around six weeks. It passed with 30 votes in the state Senate and 79 votes in the state House. If someone now commits an abortion after a heartbeat is found through an ultrasound test, they would receive a prison sentence of up to two years or a fine of $10,000, or both.

“The battle is not over, but the dawn of victory is upon us,” McMaster stated. He went on to say, “If there’s not a right to life, then what rights is there. What rights exist, if not the elementary, fundamental, profound right to life.” McMaster was joined by members of both the House and the Senate and the room was filled with applause when he eventually signed the bill.

However, a federal court issued a temporary restraining order on the bill just the next day. In a press release, the Center of Reproductive Rights exclaimed, “By banning abortion at just six weeks of pregnancy… the law targets South Carolinians who already struggle to access health care.” The restraining order lasts for two weeks and will most likely be renewed. Pro-abortion activists intend to challenge the bill in a federal court.

South Carolina was the twelfth state in the U.S. to ban abortions after a child’s heartbeat has been detected. They join other states including Ohio, Georgia, Louisiana, and Missouri.