South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has issued an executive order that will require residents to pick up abortion medications in person. Moreover, Noem explains that abortion-inducing medications like mifepristone can only be received after an in-person examination by a physician licensed in South Dakota. In addition, the South Dakota lawmaker has mandated that no manufacturers or physicians will supply abortion medications via mail service. By implementing this executive order, Noem claims that will reduce the number of women being “coerced or sex trafficked and forced to take [abortion] pills.”
“South Dakota is a state that values life and prioritizes women’s health and safety above politics by basing public policy on science and data rather than political talking points,” Noem’s executive order states.
The Republican governor’s executive order comes just a few months after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration lifted restrictions on sending abortion-inducing medications through the mail. On November 1, the FDA is expected to lift further restrictions on abortion medications, a move that the Republican governor has vehemently opposed.
“The result is likely to be an increase in chemical abortions and resulting complications,” Noem said.
It is important to note that Noem did not cite data when making this claim. However, she is not alone in her feelings. Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently signed a bill into law that criminalizes abortion after six weeks.
“It just seems, I know this sounds ridiculous, almost un-American what we’re talking about. Not to debate about, I respect people who think, who don’t support Roe v. Wade. I respect their views. I respect those who believe life begins at the moment of conception and all,” Biden told reporters last week.
“I respect that, don’t agree, but I respect that. Not going to impose that on people.”
Following the Supreme Court’s decision to leave the pro-life TX law in place, I have directed the Unborn Child Advocate in my office to immediately review the new TX law and current South Dakota laws to make sure we have the strongest pro life laws on the books in SD.
— Governor Kristi Noem (@govkristinoem) September 2, 2021
