South Dakota Legislature Passes Multiple Pro-Life Bills

We have now seen the conclusion of the 101st South Dakota Legislative Session except for the day reserved for consideration of gubernatorial vetoes on Monday, March 30 in Pierre.

An oft-repeated saying among lawmakers in Pierre:  “The good news is that South Dakota’s legislative session lasts only nine weeks. The bad news is, it’s the longest nine weeks of your life.” 

There is definitely some TRUTH to that saying but I have been honored to serve as a Lobbyist for SDRTL these past eight years. As of today the following three significant LIFE Bills have been Supported by SDRTL and passed both the House and the Senate and are now on their way to the Governor’s Desk for his ‘anticipated’ signatures:

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House Bill 1257 – Definition of Abortion Bill:  “An Act to Amend the Definition of an Abortion.”  This Bill adds additional clarity to our pro-life laws, specifically explaining that miscarriage treatment and ectopic pregnancies do not count as “abortions” under South Dakota law. Our laws already provided for these and other pregnancy-related complications, but in light of the misinformation we have seen in recent years the decision was made to specifically explain that these treatments are not abortions and are allowed under South Dakota law.

House Bill 1274 – Chemical Abortion Pill Bill:  “An Act to prohibit the dispensing, distribution, sale, or advertisement of certain articles or things for purposes of an unlawful abortion and provide a criminal and civil penalty therefore.”  This Bill gives the Attorney General additional tools to prosecute the companies that are mailing or trafficking of drugs for illegal abortions into the state. These pills end the life of an unborn baby, and have a 22x higher complication rate than the industry had previously claimed.  

House Bill 1313 – Fetal Development Classroom Video Bill:  “An Act to require the inclusion of a human fetal development video in any course that addresses human growth, development, or sexuality.”  This Bill requires education, in the form of an at least a 3-minute video, on prenatal human growth and development in South Dakota’s public schools. This measure promises to help students gain an appreciation for the dignity of unborn human life and think with greater clarity on ethical issues at the beginning of life.

§  We also Supported the passage of this HCR Resolution:

House Concurrent Resolution 6002 – ‘Honoring the life and achievements of the late Charlie Kirk’. This Resolution passed both chambers and will not require the signature of the Governor. The closing sentence of this well-worded Resolution reads: “Be it further resolved, that the Legislature extends its deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and colleagues of Charlie Kirk, and encourages the people of South Dakota to reflect on his legacy as a model of passionate advocacy and public service.” 

§  These Bills were Supported by SDRTL – Then Defeated in the process but watch for them to come back next year in more acceptable forms:

HB 1116 – “An Act to prohibit a video streaming service from transmitting certain advertising during children’s programming and provide a penalty therefor.”  – Defeated.

HB 1127 – “An Act to revise provisions related to birth centers and the practice of certified professional midwives at birth centers.” – Defeated.

HB 1153 – “An Act to protect certain rights of healthcare providers.” – Defeated.

HB 1182 – “An Act to establish a data collection system pertaining to assisted reproductive technology and to provide a penalty therefor.” – Defeated.

§  This Bill was Opposed by SDRTL – Then rightfully Defeated in the Process: 

HB 1212 – “An Act to revise provisions in order to strengthen protections for unborn children.”  This was a Penalties for Post-Abortive Women Bill. When making decisions with the intent to save lives, we believe HB1212 would ultimately send us backwards on the pro-life progress we’ve made in our state over the past 54-years.  We have always advocated to ’Support Her, Protect Them’ as we promote good, thoughtful Pro-Life legislation. HB1212, although well-intended, will take us down the wrong path and thus we sought for its demise.

LifeNews Note: Dale Bartscher is the South Dakota Right to Life Associate Director.

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