South Carolina Heartbeat Law Credited With Saving Over 5,100 Babies in First Full Year
COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina’s Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act is being credited with saving more than 5,100 unborn lives in its first full year of enforcement, according to newly released state health data.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health reported a sharp decline in abortions across the state in 2024, showing a drop from 8,187 abortions in 2023 to just 3,024 in 2024. That’s a decrease of more than 62 percent following the implementation of the law, which bans most abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected.
Major Drop in Abortion Numbers
The law, which took effect after prolonged legal battles, includes exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother. It also mandates that providers check for cardiac activity before proceeding with an abortion.
In 2024, Greenville Women’s Clinic led the state in the number of procedures, performing 1,584 abortions. Planned Parenthood, with operations in Columbia and Charleston, followed with 1,394 cases, as confirmed by LifeNews.
Breakdown of Abortions by Gestational Age
According to the DPH’s report:
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97.39% of abortions occurred at or before six weeks of gestation
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55 abortions occurred between 7 and 13 weeks
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18 abortions took place between 14 and 19 weeks
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6 abortions were reported between 20 and 23 weeks
The data also shows that the majority of women obtaining abortions were between 20 and 29 years old.
Abortion Pill Still Predominant Method
Chemical abortions, commonly referred to as the abortion pill, remain the dominant method in South Carolina. In 2024 alone, it was used 2,552 times, accounting for the majority of procedures.
Despite the sharp drop in total abortions, advocacy groups remain split on the law’s impact. Pro-life organizations have praised the legislation, while abortion-rights groups warn of reduced access to reproductive healthcare.
Preliminary Numbers May Change
The report is classified as preliminary and may be updated following further analysis. Still, supporters of the law say the initial data underscores its intended effect.
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