Columbia, SC (WLTX) - A bill moving through the State House that would ban almost all abortions in South Carolina has been sent back to committee.
Lawmakers voted 24-21 early Friday morning to return the bill to committee, effectively ending its chances for passage. Five republicans joined the Democrats on the vote.
Democrats filibustered hours against the measure, which would have allowed abortions in cases or rape, incest or risk of the mother's life.
Republicans had hoped some Democrats would give up and leave the chamber, giving the GOP the three-fifths majority needed to shut down the filibusters and pass the the bill.
But no Democrats left, with some canceling travel and vacation plans to remain in Columbia. All 45 eligible senators were present for the 1 a.m. vote Friday.
To pass the bill, the committee would have to revise it, send it back to the Senate and then back to the House before the end of the legislative session.
Governor McMaster said earlier this week that if a bill banning abortions made it to his desk, he planned on signing it.
On Wednesday, lawmakers in Iowa voted to ban most abortions if a fetal heart beat is detected. The so-called fetal heartbeat bill would ban abortions in Iowa when a physician can detect a fetal heartbeat.
The Iowa House and Senate passed the bill early Wednesday morning and it is now awaiting a signature from the governor.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.