SC
South Carolina House Bill H4538

South Carolina 2025-2026 Regular Session

South Carolina House Bill H4538

Introduced
5/8/25  

Caption

Abortion

Impact

If passed, the bill will have profound implications for reproductive health services in South Carolina. It would assert strong limits on the availability of abortion-inducing drugs, significantly affecting those seeking abortions or healthcare providers that prescribe such medications. The bill envisions the enforcement of these regulations solely through qui tam actions, empowering private individuals to sue those who violate the law while increasing the potential legal and financial risks associated with providing abortion services.

Summary

House Bill 4538, titled the 'Protections from Abortion-Inducing Drugs Act,' seeks to modify the South Carolina Code of Laws by prohibiting the manufacturing, possession, distribution, and delivery of abortion-inducing drugs within the state. The legislation establishes definitions for terms related to abortion, including 'abortion-inducing drugs' and 'elective abortion.' It allows for certain exceptions, such as drugs prescribed during a medical emergency. The bill aims to create stricter regulations around the procedures and substances that can lead to abortion in South Carolina.

Contention

The proposed legislation may face considerable opposition due to its restrictions on reproductive rights. Critics argue that it infringes upon women's autonomy and could present challenges for healthcare providers, particularly in emergent medical situations where abortion-inducing drugs may be necessary for the health of the mother. Additionally, the bill's strict provisions may lead to legal controversies regarding its enforcement and the interpretation of various exceptions, igniting debates around reproductive rights and state intervention in personal health decisions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

SC S0995

MPIC

SC H4124

DHEC Restructuring

SC H5243

Health Care Market Reform Measures Study Committee

SC H5407

South Carolina Student Physical Privacy Act

SC H4677

Maddie's Law

SC H4646

First Responders Communication Act

SC H3341

Firearms

SC H3456

Teacher and State Superintendent Credentials

SC S1106

Sarah Baker Johnson

SC H3286

Freedom of Employment Contract Act

Similar Bills

SC H4536

Abortion

TX SB2880

Relating to abortion, including civil liability for distribution of abortion-inducing drugs; making conforming changes and harmonizing conforming provisions; authorizing a private civil right of action.

TX HB5510

Relating to abortion, including civil liability for distribution of abortion-inducing drugs, and to the destruction of certain property; making conforming changes and harmonizing conforming provisions; creating criminal offenses; authorizing a private civil right of action.

TX SB6

Relating to abortion, including civil liability for the manufacture and provision of abortion-inducing drugs, exemptions from the Texas Citizens Participation Act and Religious Freedom Restoration Act, authorizing civil and qui tam actions, amendments to the fee-shifting statute governing abortion litigation, immunity defenses and limits on state-court jurisdiction and relief, the parens patriae standing of the attorney general, and the jurisdiction of the Fifteenth Court of Appeals; providing for severability.

TX HB65

Relating to abortion, including civil liability for distribution of abortion-inducing drugs; making conforming changes and harmonizing conforming provisions; authorizing a private civil right of action.

TX HB37

Relating to abortion, including civil liability for distribution of abortion-inducing drugs; making conforming changes and harmonizing conforming provisions; authorizing a private civil right of action.

TX HB4876

Imposing liability on those who perform or assist unlawful abortions.

TX HB22

Relating to abortion, including civil liability for distribution of abortion-inducing drugs and duties of Internet service providers; creating a criminal offense; authorizing a private civil right of action.