South Carolina § 2-7-30 - Construction of words.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 2-7-30 — Construction of words., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 2-7-30. Construction of words.
(A) The words "person" and "party" and any other word importing the singular number used in any act or joint resolution shall be held to include the plural and to include firms, companies, associations, and corporations and all words in the plural shall apply also to the singular in all cases in which the spirit and intent of the act or joint resolution may require it. All words in an act or joint resolution importing the masculine gender shall apply to females also and words in the feminine gender shall apply to males. And all words importing the present tense shall apply to the future also.
(B)(1) In determining the meaning of any act or joint resolution of the General Assembly or in a regulation promulgated pursuant to Article 1, Chapter 23, Title 1, unless otherwise defined in the act, joint resolution, or regulation, the words "person", "human being", "child", and "individual" must include every infant member of the species homo sapiens who is born alive at any stage of development.
(2) As used in this subsection, the term "born alive", with respect to a member of the species homo sapiens, means the complete expulsion or extraction from the mother of that member, at any stage of development, who after the expulsion or extraction breathes or has a beating heart, pulsation of the umbilical cord, or definite movement of voluntary muscles, regardless of whether the umbilical cord has been cut, and regardless of whether the expulsion or extraction occurs as a result of natural or induced labor, cesarean section, or induced abortion.
(3) Nothing in this subsection may be construed to affirm, deny, expand, or contract any legal status or legal right applicable to any member of the species homo sapiens at any point before being born alive as defined in this subsection.
HISTORY: 1962 Code SECTION 30-203; 1952 Code SECTION 30-203; 1942 Code SECTION 2081; 1932 Code SECTION 2081; Civ. C. '22 SECTION 43; Civ. C. '12 SECTION 41; Civ. C. '02 SECTION 38; G. S. 35; R. S. 38; 2012 Act No. 174, SECTION 2, eff May 25, 2012.
Editor's Note
2012 Act No. 174, SECTION 1, provides as follows:
"This act may be referred to and cited as the 'Born Alive Infant Protection Act'."
Effect of Amendment
The 2012 amendment rewrote the section.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 2-7-30
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 2-7-30 cover?
Section 2-7-30 ("Construction of words.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Carolina § 2-7-30?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 2-7-30" (South Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 2-7-30 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Carolina.