South Carolina 2025-2026 Regular Session

South Carolina Senate Bill S0431

Introduced
3/6/25  

Caption

Donor Statute

Impact

In terms of state laws, this bill seeks to clarify definitions related to parentage, including those for 'donor' and 'intended parent.' It will enable the courts to manage cases concerning assisted reproductive agreements more effectively, ensuring that individuals utilizing such technologies have their parental rights recognized. The bill also allows courts to encourage voluntary agreements between parties involved in the assisted reproduction process, which can streamline disputes and formalize parental responsibilities more amicably.

Summary

Senate Bill S0431 aims to amend various sections of the South Carolina Code regarding parentage and jurisdiction in cases involving assisted reproduction. The primary focus of the bill is to grant family courts exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine cases related to the establishment of parental rights that arise from assisted reproductive technologies. By providing a clear legal framework, the bill addresses the growing importance of assisted reproduction as a means for individuals to conceive children while establishing their legal standing as parents.

Contention

There may be notable discussions around privacy and the rights of the biological donors versus the intended parents, particularly as this bill differentiates the legal status of individuals involved in assisted reproduction. Concerns may also arise regarding the implications of classifying legal parenthood in cases where traditional notions of parentage do not apply, particularly for same-sex couples or single parents utilizing assisted reproductive technology. The effectiveness of this legislation will largely depend on its application and the judiciary's interpretation of these new provisions.

Companion Bills

SC H4253

Similar To Donor Statute

Similar Bills

SC H4253

Donor Statute

HI SB1231

Relating To Parentage.

HI HB1193

Relating To Parentage.

PA HB350

In intestate succession, further providing for rules of succession; in administration and personal representatives, providing for liability of executor; in proceedings prior to petition to adopt, further providing for rules of succession, for hearing, for alternative procedure for relinquishment and for hearing; in support matters generally, further providing general administration of support matters, repealing provisions relating to paternity and further providing for continuing jurisdiction over support orders; in general provisions relating to children and minors, repealing provisions relating to acknowledgment and claim of paternity; in jurisdiction, further providing for bases for jurisdiction over nonresident; enacting the Uniform Parentage Act; providing for parent-child relationship for certain individuals, for voluntary acknowledgment of parentage, for genetic testing, for proceeding to adjudicate parentage, for assisted reproduction, for surrogacy agreements and for information about donors; and, in organization and jurisdiction of courts of common pleas, further providing for original jurisdiction and venue.

IL HB2683

PARENTAGE-EQUALITY

IL SB2507

PARENTAGE-EQUALITY

HI SB1151

Relating To Assisted Reproduction.

HI HB611

Relating To Assisted Reproduction.