DRAFT PREPARED BY LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

For: Sen. Leber

Attorney: Ravenel

Drafting Assistant:

Date: April 14, 2026

DOC. ID.: /LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL/VR/DRAFTS/LC-0504VR26/LC-0504VR26.DOCX

 

 

A bill

 

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING CHAPTER 140 TO TITLE 44 SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE GENETIC MODIFICATION OF HUMAN EMBRYOS TO ALTER THE BIOLOGICAL SEX OF A HUMAN EMBRYO, TO CREATE PENALTIES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

 

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

 

SECTION 1.  Title 44 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

 

CHAPTER 140

 

Genetic Modification of Human Embryos

 

    Section 44-140-10. No practitioner or facility shall knowingly perform, attempt to perform, or assist in the performance of genetic modification that alters the biological sex of a human embryo.

 

    Section 44-140-20. (A) A person who violates Section 44-140-10 is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than twenty thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both, and the person's professional license must be revoked by the applicable licensing body.

    (B) Each alteration of the biological sex of a human embryo in violation of Section 44-140-10 shall constitute a separate offense for purposes of this chapter.

 

SECTION 2.  This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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