The South Carolina Supreme Court says, the 2023 Fetal Heartbeat Protection from Abortion Act's medical standard for determining life-in-the-womb is reasonable, and enforceable as state law.
That ruling was issued Wednesday morning. The justices, who appeared to be divided during oral arguments last month, have ruled in favor of the state against Planned Parenthood's latest challenge.
The organization's legal team argued that nine weeks is the accepted medical standard for confirming consistent fetal heartbeat activity as opposed to the six-weeks specified in the state's abortion ban.
A statement from Governor McMaster reads: "Time and time again, we have defended the right to life in South Carolina. Today's ruling is another clear and decisive victory that will ensure the lives of countless unborn children remain protected and that South Carolina continues to lead the charge in defending the sanctity of life."
