A bill

 

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 17 TO CHAPTER 43, TITLE 44 SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE SALE OR PURCHASE OF HUMAN EMBRYOS CREATED BY IN VITRO FERTILIZATION; AND TO ESTABLISH PENALTIES.

 

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

 

SECTION 1.  Chapter 43, Title 44 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

 

Article 17

 

Human Embryos

 

    Section 44-43-1710.  (A) A person may not knowingly advertise or offer to purchase or sell, or purchase, sell, or otherwise transfer for valuable consideration, a human embryo created by in vitro fertilization. As used in this section, the term "valuable consideration" does not include the reasonable costs associated with the removal, storage, and transportation of a human embryo.

    (B) A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction:

       (1) for a first offense, must be imprisoned not more than fifteen years;

       (2) for a second offense, must be imprisoned not more than thirty years;

       (3) for a third or subsequent offense, must be imprisoned not more than forty-five years.

 

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

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