Marjorie Dannenfelser - President, Susan B. Anthony Pro Life America | Official website

The South Carolina Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in the case of Planned Parenthood South Atlantic v. South Carolina on February 12 at 10:30 ET. This marks the third legal challenge against the state's heartbeat law, which restricts abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected.

Planned Parenthood is contesting the widely accepted scientific understanding that a fetal heartbeat can be detected at six weeks of gestation. They argue that a heartbeat begins at nine weeks, contrary to their previous statements about fetal development during early pregnancy stages.

The South Carolina GOP has expressed strong support for the heartbeat law and criticized Planned Parenthood's stance. In a letter to Republicans across the state, SCGOP Chairman Drew McKissick, along with National Committeemen Glenn McCall and Cindy Costa, stated: "Planned Parenthood is 'Using the Judicial System to Bypass the Democratic Process.'"

Caitlin Connors, Regional Political Director for SBA Pro-Life America, emphasized: "Around six weeks’ gestation, a baby’s heart beats around 110 beats per minute. The heart is the baby’s first organ to form and function. Once a heartbeat is detected, a baby has over a 90% chance of surviving to birth."

In another related legal matter referenced by the South Carolina GOP (Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic), South Carolina aims to defend its decision to exclude abortion providers like Planned Parenthood from receiving state Medicaid funds. The Charlotte Lozier Institute plans to file an amicus brief supporting this position, highlighting what they describe as Planned Parenthood's focus on expanding its share of the abortion market while reducing other healthcare services.

Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America continues its mission with over one million members nationwide dedicated to ending abortion through political advocacy and promoting pro-life women leaders.