(A) There is established the South Carolina Birth Defects Program within the Department of Health and Environmental Control to promote increased understanding of birth defects, prevent and reduce birth defects, and assist families with children who have birth defects.

(B) As part of this program, the department shall conduct public health monitoring, make appropriate referrals and provide other interventions related to birth defects. Information obtained pursuant to this subsection must be used for:

(1) public health and epidemiology purposes in which incidence, distribution, causes, risk factors, and trends may be studied. This data may be published and made accessible for education and research purposes. This information must be released in aggregate form only without identifying information;

(2) referral for service and treatment purposes so that referrals of the individual child and family may be facilitated for optimal care. The department or its employees must not provide referral services or counseling for the purpose of pregnancy termination by induced abortion, nor use any funds under this program for services or counseling for the purpose of pregnancy termination by induced abortion. Referral information is confidential and must be maintained in accordance with Section 44-44-140.

HISTORY: 2004 Act No. 281, Section 1, eff May 11, 2004.

Editor's Note

2004 Act No. 281, Section 2, provides as follows:

"The provisions of this act are severable except for the provisions of Section 44-44-30(B)(2). If a court determines that the provisions of Section 44-44-30(B)(2) are unconstitutional, invalid, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this act are deemed void."