COLUMBIA, S.C. - The House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday voted against a bill that would grant a fetus personhood status.

The Right to Life Act, sponsored by Rep. Ralph Davenport, R-Boiling Springs, would establish that the rights to due process and equal protection begin at fertilization.

Opponents said the bill defies the 1973 landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing abortions.

Rep. Greg Delleney, R-Chester, said there is movement to overturn Roe v. Wade, and the only way justices can make the change is if states challenge the ruling.

After a voice vote, committee Chairman Jim Harrison, R-Columbia, said the bill failed to get a majority. That caused some grumbles from supporters.