South Carolina legislation · 126th General Assembly
South Carolina S1158: Human Embryos
Status: In committee, April 29, 2026
What the bill says
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.
From the introduced text, April 29, 2026:
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: S ECTION 1. T itle 44 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding: CHAPTER 140 Genetic Modification of Human Embryos S ection 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. S ection 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. S ECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
Sponsors
- Matthew Leber (R, 41) · primary sponsor
- Verdin III, Daniel (R, 9)
Latest actions
- : Referred to Committee on Medical Affairs
- : Introduced and read first time
Common questions
- What is S1158?
- S1158 is a bill in the South Carolina Legislature (126th General Assembly): Human Embryos.
- What does S1158 do?
- In its own words: 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.
- What is the status of S1158?
- In committee as of April 29, 2026. Latest action: Referred to Committee on Medical Affairs (April 29, 2026).
- Who sponsored S1158?
- Matthew Leber (R, 41), with 1 co-sponsor.
- Where is the official record for S1158?
- On the South Carolina Legislature website: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/bills/1158.htm
Source: official South Carolina record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.