(A) It is not a violation of Section 44-41-630 if an abortion is performed or induced on a pregnant woman due to the existence of a fatal fetal anomaly. Section 44-41-630 does not apply to a physician who performs or induces an abortion if the physician or person determines according to standard medical practice that there exists a fatal fetal anomaly. (B)(1) A person who performs or induces an abortion based upon the existence of a fatal fetal anomaly shall make written notations in the pregnant woman's medical records of: (a) the presence of a fatal fetal anomaly; (b) the nature of the fatal fetal anomaly; (c) the medical rationale for making the determination that with or without the provision of life-preserving treatment life after birth would be unsustainable. (2) For at least seven years from the date the notations are made in the woman's medical records, the owner of the pregnant woman's medical records shall maintain a record of the notations. (C) A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined up to ten thousand dollars, imprisoned for not more than two years, or both. record of the notations. (C) A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined up to ten thousand dollars, imprisoned for not more than two years, or both. (D) An entity with ownership of the pregnant woman's medical records that violates item (2) must be fined up to fifty thousand dollars. HISTORY: 2021 Act No. 1 (S.1), Section 3, eff February 18, 2021; 2023 Act No. 70 (S.474), Section 2, eff May 25, 2023.
South Carolina Legal Code