SC H4253

Grants family courts exclusive jurisdiction to hear cases establishing parental rights in connection with assisted reproduction

Defines key terms including "assisted reproduction" (conception by means other than sexual intercourse pursuant to a written agreement), "donor" (individual who donates sperm or ova to a licensed physician or bank), and "intended parent" (individual who manifests written intent to be legally bound as parent)

Establishes that sperm or ova donors who provide genetic material to licensed physicians or banks are not considered legal parents unless otherwise agreed in writing prior to conception

Provides that intended parents who conceive through assisted reproduction are treated as legal and natural parents; if married, both spouses are considered legal parents if both consented in writing to the assisted reproduction

Expands court jurisdiction to cover assisted reproduction cases where parties resided in South Carolina, medical procedures occurred in the state, or the child was born in the state