Legislators in a U.S. state are gearing up to advance a radical anti-abortion bill that could entirely criminalize the act of terminating a pregnancy.

The vague terminology used in the bill is alarming, as it could potentially impact access to birth control and reproductive health information.

Senate Bill 323, known as the Unborn Child Protection Act, is set to progress through the legislative channels in South Carolina, starting on October 1 with a specially convened Senate subcommittee meeting.

Should this bill pass, it would redefine life as beginning at conception, imposing an almost total ban on abortion and equating it to homicide.

The bill would also eliminate exceptions for cases like rape, incest, and fatal fetal anomalies, making it a felony to share any information on obtaining an abortion and possibly criminalizing leaving the state for one.

Senate Bill 323 would effectively ban abortion almost completely (Getty Stock Image)

In essence, it would become illegal to 'aid and abet' anyone seeking an abortion, even by providing information via phone or internet.

This broad language has alarmed advocates, as it blurs the distinction between abortion care and contraception.

Serious concerns arise about whether doctors and health professionals would be able to discuss certain options.

According to the ACLU of South Carolina, the bill would redefine contraception to exclude methods that prevent ovulation or the implantation of a fertilized egg.

Consequently, under the bill, certain IUDs, emergency contraceptives, and at least one type of hormonal birth control pill would no longer qualify as contraception.

October 1 presents the only opportunity for the public to offer testimonies on the bill, which is already drawing worldwide attention.

Speaking to ABC News 4 regarding the proposed bill, a local mother from Charleston, Toni Nardone, commented: "There's nothing worse than feeling disregarded and disrespected in a state you've chosen to call home and where you've decided to raise a family.

"The existing restrictions in South Carolina are already causing significant distress for mothers, families, and those wishing to start families in this state. This will only make matters worse."

South Carolina already has strict laws regarding abortion (Getty Stock Image)

What are the current abortion laws in South Carolina?

Currently, South Carolina enforces a six-week abortion ban, with some limited exceptions.

If you are more than six weeks pregnant, you may have to leave the state for an abortion unless you meet certain criteria.

The exceptions include:

• To save the life of the pregnant person
• To prevent serious risk to the pregnant person's physical health
• If the fetus is not expected to survive the pregnancy
• If the pregnancy results from rape and/or incest.

However, these exceptions could be eliminated if Senate Bill 323 is passed, and it would no longer be permissible to travel out of state for an abortion.

Nardone recounted: "I had to leave South Carolina to obtain an abortion when we discovered that our daughter had a fatal fetal anomaly during my second trimester of my second pregnancy.

"They were surprised I hadn't miscarried yet.

"Under this law, I wouldn't be able to leave the state for the necessary care, and anyone who assisted me, including my husband who drove me and my mother-in-law who watched our son, would be considered criminals."

For help, support, and advice about abortion, contact the British Pregnancy Advisory Service at 03457 30 40 30, available 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm on Saturdays, and 9.30am to 2.30pm on Sundays.