SC Senate approves bill banning abortion past 19 weeks

By SEANNA ADCOX
Associated Press

COLUMBIA, SC (AP) — The South Carolina Senate has cleared the way for a bill banning abortion past 19 weeks to become law.

The Senate approved legislation 36-9 Tuesday that allows exceptions only if the mother’s life is in jeopardy or a doctor determines the fetus can’t survive outside the womb. The measure’s limited definition of “fetal anomaly” means it would be illegal to abort a fetus with a severe disability if the child could live.

There are no exceptions for rape or incest.

Senate Democrats blocked the legislation for years.

Supporters believe the ban is needed, stating a fetus can feel pain at 20 weeks. Opponents argue such abortions involve wanted pregnancies that go horribly wrong, and that’s not for politicians to decide.

A final vote in the House would send it to the governor’s desk.

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