Governor Rhoden signs pro-life bills into law Friday

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - Governor Rhoden signed three pro-life bills into law on Friday.

The signed bills include HB 1274, which prohibits the dispensing, distribution, sale, or advertisement of certain articles or things for purposes of an unlawful abortion.

“South Dakota is the most pro-life state in America. Our laws reflect the fact that an unborn child is a person – and that child is worthy of our protection and respect,” said Governor Rhoden.

“By stopping illegal abortion pills from coming into South Dakota, we continue to stand for life and protect the next generation of South Dakotans.”

Rhoden collaborated with Attorney General Marty Jackley to halt illegal ads for abortion pills, and now HB 1274 empowers the Attorney General to prosecute the unlawful shipment of these pills.

Governor Rhoden also signed HB 1257, which amends the definition of an abortion to make clear that miscarriage management and ectopic pregnancy are not abortions, and HB 1313, which requires education in prenatal human growth and development.