South Carolina § 44-41-620 - Voluntary and informed written consent required for an abortion.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 44-41-620 — Voluntary and informed written consent required for an abortion., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 44-41-620. Voluntary and informed written consent required for an abortion.
An abortion may not be performed or induced without the voluntary and informed written consent of the pregnant woman or, in the case of incapacity to consent, the voluntary and informed written consent of her court-appointed guardian, and without compliance with the provisions of Section 44-41-330(A).
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.
Validity
For the validity of the previous version of this section, see Planned Parenthood South Atlantic v. State, 882 S.E.2d 770 (S.C. 2023); see Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Org., 142 S.Ct. 2228 (U.S. 2022).
Editor's Note
2023 Act No. 70, SECTIONS 11 and 12, provide as follows:
"SECTION 11. The Public Employee Benefit Authority and the State Health Plan shall cover prescribed contraceptives for dependents under the same terms and conditions that the Plan provides contraceptive coverage for employees and spouses. The State Health Plan shall not apply patient cost sharing provisions to covered contraceptives.
"SECTION 12. The President of the Senate, on behalf of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, on behalf of the House of Representatives have an unconditional right to intervene on behalf of their respective bodies in a state court action and may provide evidence or argument, written or oral, if a party to that court action challenges the constitutionality of this act. In a federal court action that challenges the constitutionality of this act the Legislature may seek to intervene, to file an amicus brief, or to present arguments in accordance with federal rules of procedure. Intervention by the Legislature pursuant to this provision does not limit the duty of the Attorney General to appear and prosecute legal actions or defend state agencies, officers or employees as otherwise provided. In any action in which the Legislature intervenes or participates, the Senate and the House of Representatives shall function independently from each other in the representation of their respective clients."
Effect of Amendment
2023 Act No. 70, SECTION 2, rewrote the section.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 44-41-620
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 44-41-620 cover?
Section 44-41-620 ("Voluntary and informed written consent required for an abortion.") 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 § 44-41-620?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 44-41-620" (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 § 44-41-620 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.