Abortion law in South Carolina
What the law in South Carolina allows, under which conditions and where legal care is provided, with the statute it is based on, a link to the source and the date we last verified it.
The law at a glance
- Status
- Legal up to an earlier gestational limit
- Gestational limit
- 6 weeks since the last period
- Exceptions
- On request within the limit; later after rape or incest up to 12 weeks, or for a risk to life or a fatal fetal anomaly
- Waiting period
- 24 hours
- Parental consent or notification for minors
- Required for minors
- State-mandated counseling
- Required
- Law and source
- Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act (2023)
states.guttmacher.org - Verified on
Status
- Legal with no gestational limit set in the law
- Legal up to or around viability
- Legal up to an earlier gestational limit
- Banned with limited exceptions
- Blocked by a court
Gestational limit
- Counted from the first day of the last period
- Counted from fertilization
What the law says, in plain language
This summary describes the state law as written and as it applies today. Where a court has blocked a law fully or in part, the card shows which rule is in effect and cites the court order.
Gestational limit
The latest stage at which abortion is permitted, and the way the statute counts weeks. Our guide to abortion gestational limits explains the difference between counting methods.
- Gestational limit
- 6 weeks since the last period
Exceptions
The situations in which the law permits care beyond its general rule, quoted from the statute with its source.
- Exceptions
- On request within the limit; later after rape or incest up to 12 weeks, or for a risk to life or a fatal fetal anomaly
Steps before care
Any waiting period, number of visits, state-mandated information or ultrasound requirement the law sets before care.
- Waiting period
- 24 hours
- State-mandated counseling
- Required
Minors
Whether a person under 18 needs consent or notification of a parent or guardian, and how a judicial bypass works where it exists.
- Parental consent or notification for minors
- Required for minors
Telehealth
Whether licensed clinicians may provide medication abortion through telehealth to patients located in the state. Read our guide to telehealth abortion.
Cost, insurance and Medicaid
Costs depend on the method, the stage of pregnancy and the clinic. Each range shows its source. Read our abortion cost guide and see abortion funds for help with the cost of care and travel.
- Typical cost range
- Usually paid out of pocket, roughly 600 to 2,000 USD in the first trimester; abortion funds help with the cost Source Guttmacher Institute and the National Network of Abortion Funds
Official resources
State health department and official sources of information about the law and care in the state.
Verified clinics and organizations
Clinics and support organizations whose information comes from official registries or their own published information. Every entry shows its source and verification date.
- Methods offered
- Up to week
- Price range
- Languages spoken by staff
- Next available appointment
- Accepts patients from other states
- Featured
Travel notes
For people coming from another state, and for people in this state who look at care elsewhere: the nearest states where care is legal at later stages, the steps required there and the support available. Our travel for abortion guide explains planning, documents and practical support.
Nearest states with a later limit
Help in the United States
- 911 Emergency: 911
- 988 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988
- 1-800-772-9100 National Abortion Federation Hotline: 1-800-772-9100
Every number is checked at its official source.
Law source and verification
State laws change often. We check this card against its sources regularly and whenever a law takes effect, is blocked or changes. If you see an error, write to [email protected] and read our sources and editorial policy.
- Statute
- Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act (2023)
states.guttmacher.org - Verified on
Questions about the law in South Carolina
Is abortion legal in South Carolina?
The status at the top of this card gives the answer in one line, and the sections below explain the limit, the exceptions and the steps the law requires.
Until which week can I get an abortion in South Carolina?
The gestational limit field shows the week and how the statute counts it. If you are past the limit, the checker shows the nearest states where care is legal at your stage.
Can I travel to another state for care?
Traveling to another state for care that is legal there is generally lawful. The travel notes list the nearest states with a later limit and any state rules about help given to minors.
Is this card current?
The verified on date shows when we last checked the card. When the law changes, we update the card and publish the change in our abortion law news.
Is this legal or medical advice?
No. This card is general information about the law. Medical decisions are made together with a doctor.