Statement on Governor Noem Introducing Abortion Ban
By Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund, Inc. | Jan. 25, 2021, 10:46 p.m.
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Sioux Falls, SD — Today, Governor Noem introduced legislation to ban abortion as an option for an individual who finds out their pregnancy has been diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Similar legislation has been introduced in states across the country, and is referred to as a Reason Ban, meaning the legislation judges the reason someone seeks safe, legal abortion, without credence for individual circumstances.
Below is a statement from Kristin Hayward, Manager of Advocacy in South Dakota for Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota Action Fund:
“This bill would ban some early abortions in South Dakota based on the results of prenatal genetic testing. When faced with a prenatal diagnosis, it’s crucial that everyone receives education to help make the best-informed decision for their family. Bills like this, however, are not about educating women; they are about imposing a decision that may be right for one family on all families.
Abortion is a deeply personal and sometimes complex decision that patients must be allowed to make in consultation with their family, faith, and health care provider. Regardless of how one personally feels about abortion, it’s important that the medical procedure remain safe and legal for South Dakotans, so they can consider if and when they may need this option.
Governor Noem has and will try anything to eliminate access to abortion in South Dakota and this inflammatory bill makes that crystal clear. This is just one more unconstitutional abortion ban that interferes in the patient-doctor relationship.”
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Founded in 1992, the Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organization. As the advocacy and electoral arm of PPMNS, we mobilize supporters of all parties to defend and increase access to family planning services and fact based, medically accurate sexuality education. We work to inspire and engage citizens to take up the cause of reproductive health and rights through education, electoral activity, grassroots organizing and legislative advocacy.
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