COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina lawmakers have introduced a new bill to restrict abortion access in the state as the 2026 legislative session nears its end, according to legislative records and political analysts. The proposed legislation would ban nearly all abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, with limited exceptions for rape, incest, or life-threatening medical conditions.
The move comes after the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade returned abortion regulation to state governments. South Carolina has seen multiple legal battles over abortion restrictions, with courts blocking previous attempts at six-week bans. ‘This is part of a coordinated effort by conservative legislatures nationwide,’ said a political science professor at the University of South Carolina, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of ongoing litigation.
State health department data shows approximately 5,000 abortions were performed in South Carolina in 2025, with about 60% occurring before six weeks gestation. Proponents argue the bill protects unborn lives, while opponents warn it endangers women’s health. ‘We’re seeing the same pattern in multiple states – last-minute pushes for restrictive legislation before sessions adjourn,’ noted a reproductive rights advocate with Planned Parenthood.
The bill’s passage remains uncertain as some Republican legislators have expressed concerns about the lack of exceptions for severe fetal anomalies. If approved, legal challenges are expected to follow immediately, potentially reaching the state Supreme Court. The outcome could influence abortion access across the Southeast, where South Carolina currently serves as a regional access point for neighboring states with stricter bans.