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GUEST: Sarah Stoesz, President and CEO, Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota

This past Wednesday, an abortion bill was introduced in the South Dakota state House that would prohibit most abortions in the state. House Bill 1293 does supposedly allow for exceptions in the case of rape, incest and life threatening pregnancies. However, in the case of rape, victims could only have abortions performed if they report the crime within fifty days. Furthermore, police must obtain a confirmation from the involved doctor. The incest exception conditions that the victim identify the perpetrator, report the crime and provide blood tests. In both rape and incest cases, abortions meeting the conditions could only be performed until the 17th week of pregnancy. Though sponsors of the bill are attempting to present the current legislation as less restrictive than the anti-abortion bill defeated in last November’s general election, critics say the exceptions are burdensome and serve to re-victimize rape and incest survivors.

For more information, visit www.ppmns.org.