COLUMBIA, S.C. (Wednesday, May 10, 2023) – The South Carolina House of Representatives was preparing for a grueling debate to begin Wednesday to pass the latest version of a Fetal Heartbeat Bill (S474) that will protect most unborn babies when the child’s heartbeat can be detected. Now it appears the bill may be heading for a special session, according to Post and Courier journalist Shanna Adcox.

On Tuesday after hours of debate in the House Judiciary subcommittee on Constitutional Laws and in the full Judiciary Committee, the Fetal Heartbeat Bill advanced by a vote of 16-7 along party lines to the full House of Representatives. All 16 Republicans on the Judiciary Committee held strongly in favor of the Fetal Heartbeat Bill that has already passed the Senate. The House Judiciary Committee amended and strengthened the Senate’s bill.

“The committee’s vote sends the bill to the House floor on the last week of the 2023 regular session,” Adcox reported, "putting it in play for an expected special session. Legislative leaders plan to let the regular session end May 11 without a law on how they can return to wrap up work on the budget. If Governor Henry McMaster calls them back, as would be needed to finalize a spending plan, there’s no limit on what they can take up.”

This is breaking pro-life news from South Carolina Citizens for Life. Stay tuned for updates.