COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina can continue enforcing its six-week abortion ban after a state judge on Tuesday denied a request to temporarily block it amid a legal battle.
Planned Parenthood South Atlantic and other plaintiffs had asked the judge for an injunction while their lawsuit challenging the ban moves through the courts. The lawsuit argues that the law violates the state constitution’s rights to privacy and equal protection.
Many state restrictions have increased in the South since the Supreme Court last month overturned the federal right to the procedure. A Georgia law banning most abortions once fetal cardiac activity is present — as early as six weeks into a pregnancy — took effect last week.
[ PREVIOUS: State lawmakers hear personal stories, opinions on abortion law from South Carolinians ]
In contrast to the South Carolina judge’s decision, a Louisiana judge ruled last week that three abortion clinics in that state can continue operating while a lawsuit goes through the courts.
South Carolina’s Republican-dominated legislature is on track to further restrict the procedure. A special committee last week advanced a proposal to ban almost all abortions, except when the mother’s life is at risk.
GOP Gov. Henry McMaster signed the six-week ban last year but a federal appeals court prevented it from taking effect in February. That hold lasted until the Supreme Court ruled in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
MORE RELATED COVERAGE:
- South Carolina introduces new bill to fully outlaw abortions, allow civil penalties
- South Carolina conservatives suggest almost total abortion ban
- Hundreds gather in uptown after Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade
- EXPLAINER: How overturning Roe v. Wade impacts women’s health
- What overturning Roe v. Wade means for people in the Carolinas
- Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade
- Roe v. Wade overturned: Which states will ban abortion; where will they remain legal?
- ‘It scared me immediately’: Same-sex couples fear what could come after Supreme Court opinion
- Fetal Heartbeat Act now in effect in SC; abortion law could shape upcoming race for governor
(WATCH BELOW: VP Harris visits Charlotte, talks abortion, internet)
This browser does not support the video element.