South Carolina Gov Nikki Haley Signs Law Banning Abortion After 19 Weeks
South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley signed legislation on Wednesday outlawing most abortions at 20 weeks after fertilization. The law passed the General Assembly last week and blocks women from having abortions after 19 weeks of pregnancy, with no exceptions for rape or incest. There are exceptions to the law if the mother's life is threatened or if a doctor determines a "fetal anomaly" would prevent the fetus from surviving after birth. Doctors who violate the law could face a fine or jail time. Abortion bans at 20 weeks are now in place in 13 states, according to the Associated Press. Opponents of the law rallied outside the South Carolina Statehouse on Tuesday, urging the Haley to veto the bill. The Republican governor had previously said she would sign bills that limit access to abortions, the Charleston Post and Courier reported.