South Carolina House Bill H4654

South Carolina 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/26
• Refer: 1/13/26

Caption

Abortion

Impact

If enacted, H4654 would introduce significant legal consequences for individuals found guilty of coercing a woman to obtain an abortion. The penalties include misdemeanor charges, financial fines up to $10,000, or imprisonment for up to one year, especially when the coercing individual is a father of an unborn child whose mother is a minor. This bill could impact current practices related to reproductive health and rights within the state, addressing concerns surrounding coercive tactics that may influence women's decisions about abortion.

Summary

House Bill 4654 seeks to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 16-15-260, which establishes coercion to obtain an abortion as a criminal offense. This section defines coercion as any actions intended to compel a pregnant woman to undergo an abortion against her expressed wishes. The bill outlines specific actions that constitute coercion, including threats of physical harm, abuse of the legal system, and financial duress. The intention behind this legislation is to protect women’s autonomy regarding their reproductive choices and to penalize individuals who attempt to undermine this autonomy through coercive tactics.

Contention

There are likely to be discussions around H4654, particularly from various stakeholder groups. Supporters may argue that the bill is a crucial step toward safeguarding women's rights and ensuring they can make autonomous decisions free from coercion. However, opposition could arise from those who may view this as an overreach or as a block against certain legal or medical practices related to reproductive health. The definition of coercion included in the bill could also open the door to further legal debates about personal freedoms, parental rights, and the role of the government in private medical decisions.