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Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, Et Al. vs. State of South Carolina, Et Al.

2024-000997 The case was appealed to the South Carolina Supreme Court, which granted pro hac vice admissions for several attorneys, set a condensed briefing schedule, and heard oral arguments. The Court issued an opinion affirming the lower court's ruling, interpreting the Act to prohibit most abortions after detection of cardiac activity at about six weeks. The case was remitted back to the lower court. Filed Jun 12, 2024

This case involves an appeal by Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, Dr. Katherine Farris, and Taylor Shelton challenging the enforcement and interpretation of South Carolina's 2023 Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act (S.B. 474), which bans abortion after detection of a fetal heartbeat, typically at approximately six weeks of pregnancy. The appellants seek reversal of the denial of a preliminary injunction, arguing the statute is ambiguous, unconstitutionally vague, and causes irreparable harm. The appellees, including the State of South Carolina and Attorney General Alan Wilson, support the Act's constitutionality and seek to uphold the lower court's decision.

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30 filings
TypeFilenameTitleFiled byDate
Order05.30.2025-Remittitur.pdfCase Returned to Lower CourtCourtMay 30, 2025

Your case has been sent back to the lower court for further handling. This means the higher court has finished reviewing it and made a decision.

Order05.14.2025-Dispositional Decision - Opinion.pdfCourt Supports Limits on Abortions After HeartbeatCourtMay 13, 2025

The court has confirmed that abortions are mostly not allowed once a fetal heartbeat is detected, around six weeks of pregnancy. This means the current law restricting abortions after this point remains in effect.

Notice01.09.2025-Correspondence - Outgoing (Time Limit Letter).pdfCourt Sets Date for Your Case HearingCourtJan 9, 2025

The court has scheduled a date and time for your case to be heard in front of judges. You will also be able to watch the hearing live or access a recording afterward.

Order10-31-2024-1-Non-Dispositional Decision - Order Granting Pro Hac Vice Motion.pdfNew Lawyer Approved to Help in Your CaseCourtOct 31, 2024

A new lawyer from the American Civil Liberties Union is now allowed to work on your case. This means you have extra legal support to help with your situation.

Order10.31.2024-3-Non-Dispositional Decision - Order Granting WREN amicus motion.pdfNew legal support added to your caseCourtOct 31, 2024

A group of organizations and experts has submitted extra information to help the court understand important points. This means you have more support in your case from people who care about your rights.

Order10.31.2024-2-Non-Dispositional Decision - Order Granting ACLU Amicus Motion.pdfCourt Allows ACLU to Join Case BriefingCourtOct 31, 2024

The court has agreed to let the ACLU share their views in your case. This means the court will hear more information before making a decision.

Motion10.16.2024-Motion - Appear Pro Hac Vice (Bridget Lavender).pdfNew Attorney Request ApprovedAppellantOct 15, 2024

A new attorney named Bridget Lavender is asking to join your case. This means you will have extra legal support from her.

Motion10.07.2024-Motion - Appear as Amicus Curiae (WREN).pdfNew Support Added for Your CaseOtherOct 6, 2024

Several organizations and experts want to share their views to help the court understand how the law could affect your access to reproductive healthcare. They have asked permission to provide this information to support your side.

Motion10.03.2024-Motion - Appear as Amicus Curiae (ACLU & ACLU-SC).pdfACLU Seeks to Support Your CaseOtherOct 3, 2024

The ACLU and ACLU-SC want to provide extra information to the court to help with the appeal in your case. This could bring additional support to your side in the legal process.

Answer09-09-2024-Reply Brief.pdfAppellants Respond in Abortion Law CaseAppellantSep 9, 2024

The appellants, including Planned Parenthood South Atlantic and their doctors, have submitted a response asking the court to change a law that limits abortion. This means they are actively working to protect your rights and prevent the law from causing harm.

Notice09.04.2024-Correspondence - Incoming (SCDPH not participating).pdfDepartment of Public Health opts out of caseOtherSep 4, 2024

The Department of Public Health will not participate further unless the Court asks them to. This means they will not submit any papers or speak in court about your case unless instructed.

Notice09.03.2024-Correspondence - Incoming (SCBME and SCBON not participating).pdfNotice of Representation by Medical BoardsOtherSep 3, 2024

The South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners and the Board of Nursing are involved in your case but will not take action unless the court asks them to. This means you do not need to respond to them right now.

Other08.30.2024-3-Brief of Respondent (Governor McMasters).pdfGovernor McMaster Supports South Carolina Abortion LawOtherAug 30, 2024

Governor McMaster has shared his support for the 2023 South Carolina abortion law with the Supreme Court. This means your case involves important arguments about this law and efforts to keep it in place.

Notice08.30.2024-1-Notice of Appearance.pdfNew legal representatives announcedAppelleeAug 30, 2024

Your case now has lawyers named Steven R. Spreeuwers and Robert D. Garfield representing Byron E. Gipson. Mr. Gipson will not actively argue or provide information unless the court asks him to.

Answer08-30-2024-2-Brief of Respondent (State of SC and Attorney General).pdfState Responds to Abortion Law AppealDefendantAug 29, 2024

The State and Attorney General explained why they support the new abortion law that limits abortions at about six weeks. Their response asks the court to keep the law in place, which may affect your case.

Motion08.01.2024-Final Brief of Appellants.pdfAppellants challenge abortion law timingAppellantJul 31, 2024

The appellants are asking the court to change when the abortion ban starts, from six weeks to about nine weeks into pregnancy. If successful, this could give you more time in your pregnancy before the law applies.

Order07.30.2024-Non-Dispositional Decision - Order.pdfCourt Sets New Deadlines for Your CaseCourtJul 30, 2024

The court has agreed to speed up the process in your case. You now have until August 1, 2024, to submit your final brief and related documents.

Motion07.22.2024-1-Motion - Condensed Briefing Schedule.pdfRequest for Faster Appeal ProcessAppellantJul 22, 2024

The appellant asked the Supreme Court to speed up the appeal by shortening the usual steps. This means your case might be resolved more quickly since fewer documents will be exchanged before a decision is made.

Notice07.22.2024-2-Correspondence - Incoming (Other).pdfUpdate on Health Department and New Lawyer AddedDefendantJul 22, 2024

Starting July 1, 2024, part of the South Carolina health department has a new name and leader. Also, a new lawyer named William D. Britt, Jr. will now be involved in your case.

Order07.19.2024-3-Non-Dispositional Decision - Order Granting Kyla Eastling Pro Hac Vice.pdfNew Lawyer Approved to Help Your CasePlaintiffJul 19, 2024

A new lawyer named Kyla Eastling is now officially allowed to help with your case. This means you have more support from experienced attorneys working for you.

Order07.19.2024-4-Non-Dispositional Decision - Order Granting Catherine Humphreville Pro Hac Vice.pdfNew Lawyer Approved to Help Your CasePlaintiffJul 19, 2024

A lawyer named Catherine Peyton Humphreville is now officially allowed to work on your case. This means you have more legal support from Planned Parenthood South Atlantic and their team.

Motion07.19.2024-2-Motion - Appear Pro Hac Vice for Catherine Humphreville.pdfNew lawyer joining your caseAppellantJul 18, 2024

A new lawyer from New York has been approved to help with your case in the South Carolina Supreme Court. This means you will have additional legal support working on your behalf.

Other07.18.2024-2-Correspondence - Incoming (Verified Pro Hac Vice Application- Kyla Eastling).pdfNew lawyer added to your casePlaintiffJul 17, 2024

A new lawyer named Kyla Eastling is now allowed to help with your case in South Carolina. This means you will have more legal support working for you.

Notice07.03.2024- Transcript Delivered - Direct Appeal.pdfAgency Name and Leadership UpdatedDefendantJun 26, 2024

Starting July 1, 2024, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control will change its name to the Department of Public Health. Dr. Edward Simmer will be the new director, and there are updates to which lawyers represent the department.

Notice06.26.2024-Correspondence - Incoming (Change in Counsel and Agency name).pdfSouth Carolina Health Department Leadership and Name ChangeDefendantJun 25, 2024

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control will be renamed the Department of Public Health starting July 1, 2024. Dr. Edward Simmer will become the new Director, and there are changes in the legal team representing him.

Order06.20.2026-1-Correspondence - Incoming (Copy of Supreme Court Order Certifying Appeal).pdfSupreme Court will review your caseCourtJun 20, 2024

The Supreme Court has decided to look at your case because it involves an important issue. This means your case will be reviewed by the highest court in South Carolina.

Other06.20.2026-2-Transcript Order.pdfRequest for Hearing Transcript FiledPlaintiffJun 20, 2024

An official request was made to get a full record of a hearing that happened on May 2, 2024. This means the court will prepare a written copy of what was said during that hearing to review later.

Notice06.18.2024-Notice of Appeal Initial Letter.pdfCourt Received Your Appeal NoticeCourtJun 18, 2024

The Court of Appeals has accepted your notice of appeal and given your case a new number. You should follow the Court's instructions about what paperwork to submit next and keep your information secure.

Notice06.12.2024- Notice of Appeal.pdfAppeal Filed to Challenge Previous DecisionAppellantJun 12, 2024

An appeal has been made to a higher court to review and change the earlier decision that was not in favor of the preliminary request. This means the case will continue as the appeal is considered.

Motion07.18.2024-1-Correspondence - Incoming (Verified Pro Hac Vice Application-Catherine Humphreville).pdfNew Lawyer Added to Your Case TeamAppellant

A new attorney from New York has been given permission to help with your case in South Carolina. This means you will have extra legal support working on your appeal.