S.0783

South Carolina Prenatal Equal Protection Act defines person to include unborn child and ensures equal protection under homicide and assault laws.

The South Carolina Prenatal Equal Protection Act amends the state code to define "person" to include an unborn child at any stage of development. It ensures that an unborn child who is a victim of homicide or assault is afforded equal protection under the state's homicide and assault laws, with certain exceptions. The act also provides that enforcement of these provisions is subject to the same presumptions, defenses, justifications, laws of parties, immunities, and clemencies as would apply to the homicide of a person who had been born alive. It takes effect upon approval by the Governor.