COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina lawmakers have introduced a new bill to ban most abortions as the 2026 legislative session enters its final days, marking the state’s latest attempt to impose strict reproductive health restrictions. The proposed legislation would prohibit abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, with limited exceptions for rape, incest, or life-threatening medical conditions.
The move comes after the state’s previous six-week ban was temporarily blocked by courts in 2025. Analysts note this renewed push aligns with broader national efforts by conservative legislators following the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade. “This is part of a coordinated strategy to test the boundaries of state-level abortion restrictions,” said a political science professor at the University of South Carolina, speaking on condition of anonymity about pending legislation.
State health department data shows approximately 5,000 abortions were performed in South Carolina in 2025. Proponents argue the bill protects fetal life, while opponents warn it endangers women’s health. The legislative session is scheduled to adjourn within two weeks, creating urgency for both supporters and opponents.
If passed, legal experts predict immediate court challenges. “This could become another test case for how far states can go in restricting abortion access,” noted a constitutional law analyst at a nonpartisan think tank. The outcome may influence similar legislation pending in at least eight other states.