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SDPB Radio Coverage of the South Dakota Legislature. See all coverage and find links to audio and video streams live from the Capitol at www.sdpb.org/statehouse

Lawmakers Rewrite Abortion Measure

House lawmakers have rewritten a measure dealing with abortions in the state. House Bill 1230 originally outlawed dilation and evacuation or D&E abortion procedures. 

According to Planned Parenthood D&E abortion procedures are performed on pregnant women in their 2nd or 3rd trimester and are reserved for emergency situations. A spokesperson for Planned Parenthood says D&E procedures are not done at their Sioux Falls clinic where they only perform abortions within the 1st trimester.

Representative Isaac Latterell of Tea says he believes D&E abortions are happening in the state and describes the procedure as beheading an unborn child.

"I believe that no state, no religion, no organization, and no person should ever be allowed to use this unspeakably horrifying method," says Latterell.

Representative Karen Soli of Sioux Falls says this type of legislation does not decrease abortions in the state. She says the measure is devastating to women who need an abortion because of life and death concerns.

"If this becomes law their doctors will fear facing criminal chargers if they seek to help them, even to save lives," says Soli.

House lawmakers voted to change the bill completely, essentially killing the intent of the original measure. House Bill 1230 now simply states that the state of South Dakota recognizes the sanctity of human life.