Noem Said Dobbs Decision Returned Power To States To Decide On Abortion, Did Not Call For National Ban. According to a tweet from Kristi Noem, “The SCOTUS decision is very simple… it returns power to the states on discussions about life, where it belongs. In South Dakota, we are standing for life and helping moms.” [Twitter, @KristiNoem, 6/26/22]
Noem Said Abortion Ban Was About “Rights And Liberties” For Every Life. According to Fox News, “During an interview on ‘Fox & Friends Weekend,’ Sunday, Republican South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem explained her decision to immediately outlaw abortions in the state, arguing the ban is about ‘rights and liberties’ for every life. […] ‘I think it's important that this country recognizes that every single life is precious. The decision that we had this week was one that passes now this authority down to the states where elected officials will make those decisions in South Dakota. We had a trigger law in place already. So as of today, abortions are illegal in our state, and they're only allowed to save the life of the mother.’ […] ‘And I think it's entirely appropriate that now we focus on taking care of women that are in crisis, that have an unplanned pregnancy, and see what we can do to support them and make sure those babies end up in homes that are good, loving adoptive homes or that we help those parents be parents.’” [Fox News, 6/26/22]
Noem Thanked Trump For His Supreme Court Appointments After Roe Overturned. According to a tweet from Kristi Noem’s personal account, “Thank you President Trump for your leadership and for the conservative Justices you appointed to the Supreme Court.” [Twitter, @KristiNoem, 6/24/22]
Noem Tweeted “Today, Life Wins” In Response to Dobbs Decision Overturning Roe And Casey. According to a tweet from Kristi Noem, “Today, life wins!” [Twitter, @KristiNoem, 6/24/22]
South Dakota’s “Trigger Law” Went Into Effect After Supreme Court Overturned Roe. According to Dakota News Now, “It is now illegal to perform an abortion in South Dakota following a landmark ruling from the Supreme Court. The justices overturned Roe v. Wade in a decision Friday, effectively ending federal protections for abortion rights. South Dakota is one of 13 states with a so called ‘trigger law’ banning abortions the moment Roe v. Wade is overturned. South Dakota’s law not only bans abortions, but deems it a class 6 felony to provide one. Class 6 felonies are punishable by up to two years in prison and/or a $4,000 fine. The only exception in South Dakota’s law, which the legislature passed in 2005, is if there is an “appropriate and reasonable medical judgement” that an abortion is necessary to preserve the life of the mother.” [Dakota News Now, 6/24/22]
Noem Said Trigger Law Made All Abortions Illegal In South Dakota Unless Necessary To Save the Life Of The Mother. According to NPR, “South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem says that as of today, ‘all abortions are illegal in South Dakota ‘unless there is appropriate and reasonable medical judgment that performance of an abortion is necessary to preserve the life of the pregnant female.’’ In addition, Noem says she plans for a special session later this year.” [NPR, 6/24/22]
Noem Said States Would Need To Debate Exemptions To Abortion Bans, And That A Presented Example Of A Rape Was “Tragic,” But That “Every Life Is Precious.” According to KELO, “Margaret Brennan of CBS News asked Noem questions about how South Dakota will support pregnant people, how she feels about possible exceptions for rape and incest, and if she will try to further block telemedicine abortion. Currently, South Dakota’s trigger law does not allow exceptions for victims of rape or incest. Face the Nation played a video clip of comments from GOP Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina. Noem said in response that while it is ‘tragic’ that Mace had to go through that, she believes ‘every life is precious.’ ‘I just have never believed that having a tragedy or a tragic situation happen to someone is a reason to have another tragedy occur,’ Noem said. When asked to clarify if she feels there should be no exemptions, Noem said that it will be a debate states have.” [KELO, 6/26/22]
Noem Said Had “Prayed For This Day” And Announced Plans For Special Session On Abortion Later This Year. According to a tweet from Governor Kristi Noem, “We have prayed for this day, and now it's here. Legislative leaders and I have jointly announced plans for a special session to save lives and help mothers later this year.” [Twitter, @govkristinoem, 6/24/22]
Noem And South Dakota State Legislature Leaders Jointly Announced Plans For Special Session Later This Year On Abortion. According to South Dakota State News, “Today, in response to the United States Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, Governor Kristi Noem and leaders in the South Dakota State Legislature jointly announced plans for a special session later this year to save lives and help mothers impacted by the decision. ‘Every abortion always had two victims: the unborn child and the mother. Today’s decision will save unborn lives in South Dakota, but there is more work to do,’ said Governor Kristi Noem. ‘We must do what we can to help mothers in crisis know that there are options and resources available for them. Together, we will ensure that abortion is not only illegal in South Dakota – it is unthinkable.’ South Dakota’s trigger law, found in SDCL 22-17-5.1, provides that as of today, all abortions are illegal in South Dakota ‘unless there is appropriate and reasonable medical judgment that performance of an abortion is necessary to preserve the life of the pregnant female.’” [South Dakota State News, 6/24/22]
Noem Said She Would Create “Unborn Person Advocate” In Her Office To Monitor Legislative And Policy Changes. According to the Argus Leader, “South Dakota has been chipping away at reproductive rights over the past decade and Gov.-elect Kristi Noem said she will support restrictions on abortion, as well as create an ‘unborn person advocate’ in her office to monitor legislative and policy changes.” [Argus Leader, 12/21/18]
Noem Appointed Mark Miller As “Unborn Child Advocate” To Review South Dakota’s Abortion Laws At Noem’s Direction. According to the Rapid City Journal, “The state's new ‘unborn child advocate’ Mark Miller, who also serves as general counsel to Gov. Kristi Noem, is reviewing South Dakota's abortion laws at Noem's direction. Miller's task is in response to the Texas law that outlaws most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. Noem stated in a tweet that following the Supreme Court's decision to leave the pro-life Texas law in place she will be directing the Unborn Child Advocate to review the new Texas law and current South Dakota laws to ensure the state has the strongest pro-life laws on the books.” [Rapid City Journal, 9/2/21]
Miller Credited With Advancing Noem’s Goal Of Making South Dakota One Of Most “Pro-Life” States In Country. According to the Federalist Society, “Mark Miller serves as Chief of Staff to South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and is a member of the Governor's executive team. He also is the Unborn Child Advocate within the Governor's Office, advancing the Governor's goal of making the state the most pro-life state in the country.” [Federalist Society, accessed 5/6/22]
Noem Signed Multiple Bills Into Law Restricting Access To Abortion Via Consent Requirements, Parental Notification, And Sonogram Mandates. According to the Argus Leader, “Gov. Kristi Noem signed several pro-life bills into law on Wednesday. […] Beginning July 1, the new laws will: require Planned Parenthood to have women sign a state-written form consenting to an abortion; require parental notification and agreement before resuscitation can be withheld from a minor with a life-limiting illness; require doctors to give a woman the opportunity to view a sonogram and hear the heartbeat of the fetus prior to an abortion; require doctors to report certain data to the state related to abortions, and criminalize the act of causing an abortion against a woman's will.” [Argus Leader, 3/20/19]
Noem Defended Necessity Of Bill To Ban Abortions Based On Diagnosis Of Down Syndrome. According to the Associated Press, “Noem has defended the necessity of her bill, saying that some screenings for Down syndrome can be performed as early as 10 weeks into pregnancy. ‘This legislation will protect preborn children that are diagnosed with Down syndrome from being discriminated against solely because God gave them an extra chromosome,’ she said last month. A group of about 70 medical workers from across the state wrote to lawmakers in opposition to Noem’s bill, saying it would put physicians and patients in an adversarial relationship, places severe penalties on doctors and makes no exception for conditions that would be lethal to the fetus.” [Associated Press, 2/17/21]
Noem Signed Ban On Terminating Pregnancies Based On Down Syndrome Diagnosis. According to the Argus Leader, “Gov. Kristi Noem has signed a series of legislation aimed at strengthening South Dakota's anti-abortion laws, including a ban on terminating pregnancies based on a Down syndrome diagnosis. […] And Friday, she signed the Down Syndrome bill along with a separate measure making it illegal to force someone to get an abortion via surrogacy contracts. A third bill more precisely defines what abortion is, and another establishes requirements around when certain literature must be provided to women provided with abortion-inducing drugs. ‘I look forward to the day when the Supreme Court recognizes that all pre-born children inherently possess this right to life, too,’ Noem said in a statement. ‘Until that time comes, I am pleased to sign a ban on the abortion of a pre-born child, just because that child is diagnosed with Down syndrome, as well as several other important pro-life bills.’” [Argus Leader, 3/26/21]
Noem Signed “Born Alive” Legislation, Which Required Medical Professionals To Treat Babies Regardless Of Birth Circumstances. According to South Dakota State News, “Today, Governor Kristi Noem signed House Bill 1051, which requires medical professionals to offer any baby born alive the same medical care they would offer for any other child – regardless of the circumstances of the child’s birth. ‘The pro-life cause continues even after a child is born, and this bill will guarantee the right to life for every baby that is born alive,’ said Governor Kristi Noem. ‘We expect doctors to treat all children equally, even those born in horrific circumstances. That’s basic human decency.’ The law requires medical professionals to provide the same means, medical skills, and treatment to every child born alive immediately following an attempted abortion as they would any other child. Further, the law allows a mother to sue any doctor or abortion facility that violates the law, imposes financial penalties on those who violate the law, and requires certain reporting to the Department of Health for any births that arise following a failed abortion.” [South Dakota State News, 2/24/21]
Planned Parenthood Said “Born Alive” Bills Are Unnecessary As Doctors Already Have Obligation To Provide Medical Care. According to Planned Parenthood, “So-called ‘Born Alive’ bills fabricate a problem that doesn’t exist. Doctors already have an obligation to provide appropriate medical care. To suggest otherwise is false, offensive, and dangerous, not to mention a complete waste of taxpayer time and money.” [Planned Parenthood, 2/24/20]
According to Physician Groups, Live Birth After Abortion Attempt Is Extremely Unlikely And Laws Already Exist To Protect Infant. According to Vox, “But reproductive rights and physician groups say the [Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act] bill could criminalize doctors and is unnecessary — not only because a live birth after an abortion attempt is an extremely unlikely scenario but also because laws already exist to protect an infant in this instance anyway. ‘The bill maligns and vilifies providers and patients to push a false narrative about abortion later in pregnancy,’ Dr. Kristyn Brandi, a board member of Physicians for Reproductive Health, told Vox in an email last year.” [Vox, 2/25/19]
Strict Interpretation Of “Born Alive” Legislation Could Take Away Ability Of Parents To Hold Child In Case Of Early Delivery Where Baby Cannot Survive, According To Obstetrician. According to the Argus Leader, “Dr. Erica Schipper, an obstetrician with Sanford Health, said in a letter to the Argus Leader that the bill would impact circumstances such as an early delivery for a lethal anomaly, or when an abnormality would lead to a baby not being able to survive. ‘While these circumstances may be medically or legally referred to as an ‘abortion,’ the public and our legislators need to be aware of the potential consequences of this legislation,’ she wrote. ‘Strict interpretation of this law would take away the ability of parents to hold a living child, say goodbye, and have that baby baptized if that is their wish.’” [Argus Leader, 2/16/21]
Noem “Born Alive” Legislation Added Three Provisions To State Statute: Requiring Medical Care For Babies Born Out Of Attempted Abortions, $10,000 Fine For Physicians Who Do Not, And Require Reporting On Survived Abortions. According to the Argus Leader, “HB 1051 adds three provisions to state statute: require doctors to provide medical care to babies born out of attempted abortions; a possible $10,000 fine for physicians who fail to do so; and require the state health office compile a report on the number of babies who survive attempted abortions. Mothers and children born out of abortions could sue the doctors involved and the doctor could lose their medical license.” [Argus Leader, 2/16/21]
Noem Directed Unborn Child Advocate To Review Texas Law And Compare To South Dakota Laws. According to the Argus Leader, “‘Following the Supreme Court’s decision to leave the pro-life (Texas) law in place, I have directed the Unborn Child Advocate in my office to immediately review the new (Texas) law and current South Dakota laws to make sure we have the strongest pro life laws on the books in (South Dakota),’ Noem said in a statement posted to social media Thursday. […] Mark Miller, an attorney and legal advisor in the governor's office, fills the role Noem referred to as an ‘Unborn Child Advocate’ and handles lobbying efforts related to abortion laws during South Dakota's annual lawmaking session in Pierre each winter.” [Argus Leader, 9/2/21]
Noem Introduced Fetal Heartbeat Bill To Ban Abortion Styled After Texas. According to the Associated Press, “South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem on Friday unveiled a proposal to ban nearly all abortions, mimicking a Texas law that leaves enforcement up to private citizens through lawsuits instead of through prosecutors and criminal charges. The governor has previewed the legislation for weeks, and it has received an enthusiastic reception from fellow Republicans who dominate the Legislature. The law would prohibit abortions once medical professionals can detect fetal cardiac activity, which is usually around the sixth week and is before some women even know they’re pregnant.” [Associated Press, 1/21/22]
Noem’s Heartbeat Bill Modeled After Texas Law Left Enforcement To Private Citizens. According to the Associated Press, “South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem on Friday unveiled a proposal to ban nearly all abortions, mimicking a Texas law that leaves enforcement up to private citizens through lawsuits instead of through prosecutors and criminal charges.” [Associated Press, 1/21/22]
Noem Heartbeat Bill Made No Exceptions For Rape Or Incest And Set $10,000 Penalty For Aiding Abortion. According to the Associated Press, “Noem’s law would punish people who aid someone in getting an abortion with a minimum $10,000 penalty, in addition to legal fees and other potential compensation. It makes no exception for rape or incest, except stipulating that a man who commits the rape or incest cannot sue.” [Associated Press, 1/21/22]
South Dakota Right To Life Opposed Noem Heartbeat Bill Language. According to the Associated Press, "Noem has touted support for the proposal from several national groups opposed to abortion access, but in-state groups flagged what they saw as problems with the bill. ‘We were not in support of the governor’s original draft language,’ said Dale Bartscher, the director of South Dakota Right to Life. He added that he too was worried it would endanger the state’s standing in the case against Planned Parenthood, but that he hoped the governor would make revisions and bring it back." [Press Release – Gov. Noem, 2/2/22]
Republican Controlled House State Affairs Committee Declined To Give Noem’s Abortion Bill A Hearing. According to the Associated Press, “A Republican-controlled South Dakota House committee on Wednesday declined to consider a bill from Gov. Kristi Noem aimed at banning nearly all abortions, stifling a top item on the governor’s agenda. The Republican governor loudly trumpeted her proposal this year, which would have mimicked the private enforcement of a Texas law and prohibited abortions once medical professionals can detect fetal cardiac activity. But it quickly met resistance when lawmakers on the House State Affairs committee declined to give it a hearing — a move rarely seen in the Legislature that signaled defiance of the governor. While Republicans on the committee have pushed for abortion restrictions in the past, they moved on the argument that Noem’s proposal could jeopardize other legal battles between the state and Planned Parenthood, which operates the state’s only clinic that regularly provides abortions.” [Associated Press, 2/2/22]
Noem Said She Was Caught Off Guard By Rejection. According to the Associated Press, “Noem told reporters she was caught off-guard by the committee’s decision not to hear the bill. ‘They’re not listening to national leaders in the pro-life movement on the momentum we have in front of the Supreme Court and what this legislation means to South Dakota,’ she said, adding that she didn’t believe her proposal ‘takes any credibility away from the case in front of the Supreme Court.’” [Associated Press, 2/2/22]
Noem “Disappointed,” Said “This Is The First Time In Decades That A Bill Has Been Denied A Hearing.” According to a Press release from Noem’s office, “The South Dakota state legislature has always guaranteed that every bill gets a hearing, and that is something that I've always loved about our process. We have rules and an open process, and we play by those rules. To our knowledge, this is the first time in decades that a bill has been denied a hearing. ‘South Dakota deserved to have a hearing on a bill to protect the heartbeats of unborn children. We can hear heartbeats at six weeks, but I'm disappointed this bill was not granted even one hearing.’” [Press Release – Gov. Noem, 2/2/22]
Noem Abortion Ban Denied Hearing From Republican Leadership. According to South Dakota Public Broadcasting, “Governor Kristi Noem’s push to ban abortions after six weeks of pregnancy had the support of prominent national anti-abortion groups. But the proposal lacked support from a key organization that has held sway over state abortion policy for years. And that helps explain the proposed bill’s failure. […] A few weeks later, the governor could not get her proposed bill introduced. When the governor’s office asked a committee comprised of House leadership to take up the bill, the group didn’t budge. Later that morning, Governor Noem took questions during an impromptu press conference outside of legislative hearing rooms. ‘I was not expecting them to deny a hearing to a bill, especially from Republican leadership,’ Noem said.” [South Dakota Public Broadcasting, 2/28/22]
Noem Deferred To South Dakota Right To Life In Ultimate Decision To Drop Signature Bill. According to South Dakota Public Broadcasting, “Working quietly behind the scenes against the proposal was Dale Bartscher, the executive director of South Dakota Right To Life. When the Texas abortion law was upheld by the courts last year, Bartscher publicly called it ‘an important bill.’ When the House declined to take up Gov. Noem’s bill, Bartscher said the group appreciates the governor’s anti-abortion stance. But he added, ‘Predominantly, South Dakota Right To Life, our number one goal is do no harm to a piece of litigation we have in the 8th Circuit Court, currently,’ Bartscher said. ‘And that’s Noem v. Planned Parenthood.’ […] ‘We believe that the passage of a Texas-style heartbeat bill will moot the litigation that we currently have in the 8th Circuit Court,’ Bartscher said. ‘For that reason, we cannot support a Texas-style heartbeat bill verbiage.’ […] South Dakota Right To Life, for years, has been a warrior for protecting unborn lives. I’ve always appreciated the integrity they’ve brought to every discussion," Noem said. "The challenge this year is we had a bill here to deal with protecting life and we didn’t have a debate on it. I don’t necessarily place the blame on Right to Life.’” [South Dakota Public Broadcasting, 2/28/22]
Judge Ruled Against South Dakota’s Attempt To Lift Injunction That Nullified Part Of Law Requiring Crisis Pregnancy Center. According to the Associated Press, “A federal judge Friday ruled against South Dakota’s attempt to lift a decade-old injunction that nullified part of a state law requiring women to consult with a crisis pregnancy center before having an abortion. Planned Parenthood sued the state in 2011 after lawmakers passed a law requiring a three-day wait period for women seeking an abortion, as well as a consultation with a pregnancy center that often discourages women from having an abortion. Judge Karen Schreier ordered a temporary injunction that kept the law from taking effect. The three-day wait period eventually became law, but the consultation requirement has not.” [Associated Press, 9/20/21]
Noem Promised To Try To Get Supreme Court To Take Case Requiring Crisis Pregnancy Center Consultation Before Abortion If South Dakota Lost Appeal. According to the Sioux City Journal, “She [Noem] promised that if South Dakota loses an appeal in a legal fight over a state law that would require women seeking abortions to first consult with crisis pregnancy centers (which generally advise women not to get abortions) she would try to get the Supreme Court to consider the case. That case had laid dormant for nearly 10 years, but with the high court's ideological make-up tilting to conservatives, Republicans are trying to get such cases before the justices. A federal judge declined to lift the decade-old injunction on the South Dakota law this year, ruling that it would infringe on women's rights to freedom of speech and access to abortion. Noem has appealed to the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals and said she's ready to appeal to the Supreme Court if that court doesn't lift the injunction.” [Sioux City Journal, 11/29/21]
Noem Repeated She Did Not Believe Telemedicine Abortions Should Be Available. According to KELO, “Moving to a discussion on telemedicine abortions which allow patients to receive abortion pills in the mail, Brennan pointed out that South Dakota is one of 30 states that will limit access to these pills. She asked Noem how she would prevent people from receiving this federally-approved medication. In response, Noem said she brought forward a bill that would ban doctors from prescribing these medications over the phone or via the internet, but offered no insight on future plans. Telemedicine abortions are approved by the FDA. ‘In South Dakota, we’ve already had a bill passed that set on telemedicine abortions, that we don’t believe it should be available, because it is a dangerous situation for those individuals without being medically supervised by a physician,’ Noem said.” [KELO, 6/26/22]
Noem Pledged To Bar Mail-Order Abortion Pills But Said Women Should Not Face Prosecution For Seeking Them. According to the Associated Press, “South Dakota’s Republican governor pledged on Sunday to bar mail-order abortion pills but said women should not face prosecution for seeking them. In apparent defiance of legal guidance by the Justice Department after the Supreme Court last week stripped away women’s constitutional protections for abortion, Kristi Noem indicated in national television interviews that she would put in place a plan approved by state lawmakers to restrict the pills. The majority ruling Friday by the court’s conservative justices triggered abortion bans in South Dakota and elsewhere. But Noem said doctors, not their patients, would likely be prosecuted for knowing violations of what would be one of the strictest laws on abortion pills in the United States. ‘I don’t believe women should ever be prosecuted,’ she said. ‘I don’t believe there should be any punishment for women, ever, that are in a crisis situation or have an unplanned pregnancy.’” [Associated Press, 6/26/22]
2021: Noem Issued Executive Order To Restriction Abortion Medication, Requiring In-Person Consultation With Physician. According to the Associated Press, “South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem on Tuesday issued an executive order to restrict access to abortion medication and make it clear that medicine-induced abortions fall within state law requiring an in-person consultation with a physician. Amid a nationwide push among Republicans to outlaw most abortions, Noem directed the state Department of Health to create rules that abortion-inducing drugs can only be prescribed or dispensed by a state-licensed physician after an in-person examination. South Dakota law already places that requirement on doctors, but the Republican governor’s order was made in anticipation that the Food and Drug Administration later this year will allow abortion medications to be dispensed through the mail or virtual pharmacies. […] Noem’s order blocks the drugs from being delivered through the mail or other delivery services and outlaws the drugs from being provided in schools or on state property. It also requires licenses for any clinics that only prescribe medicine for abortions and require more stringent reporting on medicine-induced abortions and any health complications related to them.” [Associated Press, 9/7/21]
Bill Sponsored By Noem’s Primary Challenger Would Ban Drugs Used In Medical Abortion Procedures. According to the KELO, “As Governor Kristi Noem is tied up in a legal battle over the medication abortion procedure, gubernatorial candidate and State Representative Steven Haugaard is introducing legislation that would outright ban medication abortion in South Dakota. House Bill 1208 seeks to prohibit chemical abortion drugs and impose a penalty of a Class 2 misdemeanor for physicians who violate the law. This is the second piece of legislation introduced by Rep. Haugaard this week regarding unborn life in South Dakota. HJR 5003, if passed, would create a ballot measure for voters to determine whether human life should be defined in the South Dakota Constitution as beginning at fertilization. Haugaard told the House Health and Services Committee on Thursday that in anticipation of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization Supreme Court case, South Dakota needs to be prepared with legislation on abortion in South Dakota. The Dobbs case will determine the constitutionality of a pre-viability abortion ban in Mississippi in what would be a direct challenge of Roe v. Wade. Haugaard’s legislation would ban mifepristone, mifegyne, mifeprex, and pharmaceutical equivalents entirely in South Dakota. Those drugs are used to induce the chemical abortion process by blocking progesterone, the hormone needed to maintain a pregnancy. Haugaard said there were other options to perform chemical abortions without the use of these drugs but did not provide examples to the committee. ‘When you consider the use of these drugs and the advancements in our technology, the fact that we can actually see what happens in an abortion…’ Haugaard told the committee. ‘I don’t see how anyone can exercise their will to do this if they understood exactly what’s going on.’” [KELO, 2/18/22]
2022: Judge Granted Request From Planned Parenthood To Issue Restraining Order On Noem’s Executive Order Rule Change To Require Another Doctors Visit For Second Medication Abortion Drug. According to the Associated Press, “A federal judge temporarily halted a South Dakota rule from taking effect that would have made the state one of the hardest places in the U.S. to get abortion pills. U.S. District Judge Karen Schreier late Wednesday granted a request from Planned Parenthood for a restraining order on a state Department of Health rule that was set to go into effect Thursday. Republican Gov. Kristi Noem initiated the rule change through an executive order. It would have required people seeking abortions to return to a doctor to take the second of two drugs used for a medication abortion. Women have been able to receive both drugs in one visit, taking the second medication at home.” [Associated Press, 2/24/22]
Bill That Would Require Three In-Person Visits Before Receiving Abortion Pills Passed State House Committee Even Though Rule Is Currently Blocked By A Federal Judge. According to the Associated Press, “Gov. Kristi Noem’s proposal to make South Dakota one of the hardest places in the country to get abortion pills gained support Tuesday from Republican House lawmakers, even though a federal judge has halted a similar state rule from taking effect. Every Republican on the House Health and Human Services committee voted to advance the bill for a vote in the full chamber this week. It would require women seeking an abortion to make three separate trips to a doctor in order to take abortion pills. Women in South Dakota can currently get both drugs in the two-dose regimen during a single visit and take the second dose at home.” [Associated Press, 2/22/22]
South Dakota State Senate Advanced Noem’s Proposal For Three Doctor Visits For Abortion Pills, Full Legislature To Vote. According to the Associated Press, “South Dakota Republican senators on Monday advanced a proposal from Gov. Kristi Noem that aims to make the state one of the hardest places to get abortion pills, though its actual enactment depends on a federal court ruling. Every Republican on the Senate Health and Human Services committee voted to advance the bill for a vote in the full chamber, even as one GOP lawmaker cautioned the Legislature on getting involved in the practice of medicine. The lone Democrat on the committee opposed it. Shortly after the decision to advance the bill to the Senate floor where a vote has not yet been scheduled, the same committee unanimously rejected a separate proposal, brought by Noem’s Republican primary challenger Rep. Steve Haugaard, to ban use of the drugs for abortions altogether.’” [Associated Press, 3/1/22]
Noem-Proposed Bill Restricting Access to Medication-Induced Abortions Passed. According to CNN, “South Dakota on Wednesday gave final passage to a bill further restricting access to abortions through medication, the first state this legislative session to impose such a restriction. The bill, House Bill 1318, was proposed last month by Republican Gov. Kristi Noem as she sought to curb access to the abortion drugs. The Biden administration had made the drugs more accessible during the pandemic before finally lifting the requirement that the drugs be dispensed in-person. Noem's bill -- which cleared the state Senate 32-2 -- would require women seeking a medication abortion to make an additional trip to a doctor.” [CNN, 3/2/22]
Noem Signed A New Law Restricting Abortion, Required Pregnant Woman To Make Three Visits To Doctor For Abortion Medication. According to CNN, “South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem on Wednesday signed a law that further restricts access to abortions through medication in the state, though the measure will not take effect immediately, pending a federal court case. […] While the Biden administration lifted the requirement that abortion drugs be dispensed in person last year, the new South Dakota law requires a pregnant woman who wants to get the abortion medication to first be screened, then wait three days before obtaining the first drug in a two-dose process. The woman would then have to make a third visit to receive the second dose.” [CNN, 3/23/22]
Noem Signed Legislation Codifying Third Visit For Abortion Medication And Fourth Appointment Fourteen Days Later To Confirm Fetal Mater Was “Expelled.” According to the New Yorker, “This month, pressing her challenge to medication abortions, she won passage of the bill that codified the third visit, already enjoined by Schreier, and would add a requirement for the clinic to make a fourth appointment, fourteen days later, to confirm that the fetal material has been “expelled.” The vote in the Senate was 32–2. (The law will not be enforced unless Schreier’s ruling is overturned.)” [New Yorker, 3/25/22]
Noem Adjusted Abortion Bill Language To Take Effect If Federal Court Overrules Current Injunction. According to the Associated Press, “The Republican governor pushed the legislation this year to enshrine a similar rule from her administration that attempted to require abortion-seekers to make three separate visits to a doctor to take abortion pills. But a federal court issued a preliminary injunction against that rule last month, and the bill Noem signed contains language that says the restrictions are not enforceable unless the state convinces a federal court to overturn that order. Noem’s law, if it were to take effect, adds a third mandatory visit that would require women to wait at least a day before returning to the abortion clinic to take the second drug in the regimen.” [Associated Press, 3/23/22]
Noem Signed Directive Ordering Creation Of Rule To Prohibit Use Of Telemedicine In Abortion Services, Abortion Medication Cannot Be Sent By Mail Or Telemedicine. According to the Argus Leader, “The first-term Republican governor Tuesday signed a directive ordering the South Dakota Department of Health to create rules prohibiting the use of telemedicine in the process of terminating a pregnancy within the state and restricting when and how chemical abortion drugs are prescribed or provided. Executive order 2021-12 bars physicians not licensed in South Dakota from prescribing abortion-inducing chemicals to someone, would make it illegal to deliver such products via courier, telemedicine or mail service, and prohibits abortion-inducing drugs from being dispensed or provided in schools or on state grounds. The executive order comes days after Noem directed a top legal advisor in her office, Mark Miller, to vet South Dakota abortion law and find areas where it could be tightened to mimic or go beyond the six-week abortion ban passed earlier this year in the state of Texas.” [Argus Leader, 9/7/21]
Noem Opposed Biden Administration Efforts To Increase Access To Telemedicine Abortion Due To The Pandemic. According to the Argus Leader, “‘The Biden Administration is continuing to overstep its authority and suppress legislatures that are standing up for the unborn to pass strong pro-life laws. They are working right now to make it easier to end the life of an unborn child via telemedicine abortion. That is not going to happen in South Dakota,’ Noem said in a statement. ‘I will continue working with the legislature and my Unborn Child Advocate (Miller) to ensure that South Dakota remains a strong pro-life state.’” [Argus Leader, 9/7/21]
Noem Executive Order Banning Telemedicine Abortion Also Ordered Health Department To Collect Data On Medication Abortions As Percentage Of Abortions. According to the Argus Leader, “Noem's executive order also orders the health department to collect data chemical abortions as a percentage of all abortions and to bolster reporting requirements for emergency room complications related to chemical abortions.” [Argus Leader, 9/7/21]
Noem Claimed Telemedicine Abortion Ban Will “Protect Both Unborn Babies And Their Mothers.” According to the governor’s official Twitter account, “My legislation to ban telemedicine abortions passed the Senate and is on its way to my desk! With this bill, we will protect both unborn babies and their mothers from this dangerous procedure.” [Twitter, @govkristinoem, 3/2/22]
Federal Judge Issued Preliminary Junction Against Noem’s Rule Which Required Three Visits To Take Abortion Pills. According to the Associated Press, “A federal judge has granted a preliminary injunction against a South Dakota rule that would make the state one of the hardest places in the U.S. to get abortion pills. U.S. District Judge Karen Schreier issued the injunction late Tuesday against a rule pushed by Republican Gov. Kristi Noem that would have required abortion-seekers to make three separate visits to a doctor to take abortion pills. Schreier previously issued a temporary restraining order last month to keep the state from implementing the rule. Women in South Dakota can currently get both drugs in the two-dose medication-induced abortion regimen during a single visit and take the second dose at home. Schreier, who was appointed under former President Bill Clinton, granted Planned Parenthood’s request for the injunction, writing that the rule ‘likely imposes an undue burden on Planned Parenthood and its patients’ right to seek an abortion.’” [Associated Press, 2/9/22]
Legislation That Would Make Her Rule Law Has Not Been Considered By The Legislature. According to the Associated Press, “Noem has pushed a bill this year that would enact her rule into law. That bill has not yet been considered by lawmakers, but Republican legislators last week rejected a separate proposal from Noem to further clamp down on abortion access.” [Associated Press, 2/9/22]
Federal Judge Blocked SD State Health Department Rule To Restrict Access To Medication Abortion. According to Reuters, “A federal judge in South Dakota temporarily blocked on Wednesday a new rule by the state’s health department that makes access to a medication abortion more difficult. Planned Parenthood sought the injunction against the South Dakota measure, which was first part of an executive order issued last September by Governor Kristi Noem, a Republican." [Reuters, 1/27/22]
State Rule Was Part Of Noem Executive Order. According to Reuters, “A federal judge in South Dakota temporarily blocked on Wednesday a new rule by the state’s health department that makes access to a medication abortion more difficult. Planned Parenthood sought the injunction against the South Dakota measure, which was first part of an executive order issued last September by Governor Kristi Noem, a Republican." [Reuters, 1/27/22]
Noem Order Required A Woman To Be Present At A Medical Provider's Office For Both Doses Of A Typical Two Dose Regimen; The Second Dose Was Typically Sent With Instructions. According to Reuters, "Judge Karen Schreier wrote in her ruling that Planned Parenthood had shown that South Dakota had created a ‘substantial obstacle’ in the path of women seeking medication abortions. Noem’s executive order mandated that the two drugs used in mediation abortions both be administered by a medical provider. Typically, a woman would receive the first medication at a provider’s office, and be handed the second drug at the same time, with instructions to take it 24 to 72 hours later. Because Planned Parenthood’s office in Sioux Falls is the only one that provides abortions in the state, and because many women travel long distances to reach its office, forcing them to make repeat visits could put an undue burden on many women, the judge wrote in her restraining order.” [Reuters, 1/27/22]
Noem Vowed To Continue To Push For Abortion Restriction After State Rule Was Blocked By Federal Judge. According to Fox News, “South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem on Thursday vowed to keep pushing for restrictions to abortion medication after a federal judge temporarily halted a state rule that would have made access to abortion pills more difficult. U.S. District Judge Karen Schreier granted a request from Planned Parenthood late Wednesday for a restraining order on a state Department of Health rule that was set to take effect Thursday, The Associated Press reported. Noem, a Republican, initiated the rule change through an executive order. It would have required people seeking abortions to return to a doctor to take the second of two drugs used for a medication abortion. Women have been able to receive both drugs in one visit, taking the second medication at home." [Fox News, 1/27/22]
Noem Argued The Rule Was Necessary For Safety, "The Reason That We’re Continuing To Push It Is It’s So Dangerous For Women To Undergo This Procedure." According to Fox News, “Speaking to reporters Thursday, Noem argued that the rule was necessary for women's safety and said her office is pushing a bill that would put up hurdles to ordering abortion pills by phone or online. ‘The reason that we’re continuing to push it is it’s so dangerous for women to undergo this procedure,’ Noem said. ‘They can literally get on the phone or online and request a prescription and undergo this medical procedure in their home with no supervision whatsoever.’” [Fox News, 1/27/22]
Noem Announced Her Administration Will Appeal Federal Ruling That Blocked Her Medical Abortion Ban. According to KELO, “Governor Kristi Noem said Thursday her administration will challenge a federal judge’s latest order blocking South Dakota’s new restrictions on medical abortions. U.S. District Judge Karen Schreier issued the preliminary injunction Tuesday. The judge said Planned Parenthood argued that the additional rule requiring a third visit to the clinic for medical-abortion patients would eliminate access to medical abortion.” [KELO, 2/10/22]
Noem Claimed This Was A “Women’s Health” Issue And The Judge Was Making This An Abortion Issue. According to KELO, “Noem, answering a question from KELOLAND News, told reporters Thursday, ‘It was interesting to hear her argument. It was more about making it an abortion issue, which clearly in this telemedicine abortion order that we put forward, it’s about women’s health. It is four times more likely a woman will end up in the emergency room from utilizing and accessing abortion through this manner.’ ‘And,’ Noem continued, ‘that is why we put it forward is to protect women’s health and make sure that they are medically supervised. The federal judge chose to make it about something else, and that’s disappointing. We will appeal.’” [KELO, 2/10/22]
Noem Said Drugs To Treat Miscarriages Were Not Included In Her Order Because They “Do Have Medical Supervision.” According to KELO, “Another reporter asked the governor why the state didn’t also restrict the use of the two drugs for treatment of miscarriages, where there also is the risk of bleeding. Noem said that patients in most of those situations ‘do have medical supervision. In the instance of telemedicine abortions, someone can make a phone call, get online, order the drugs to be sent to their home. There is no medical supervision. That’s what makes it so dangerous. And that kind of access opens it up to our young women to be in their bathrooms or locker rooms alone undergoing this procedure with no doctor or physician at any all tied to the responsibility of what the consequences may be.’” [KELO, 2/10/22]
Court Order Paused Lawsuit Between Planned Parenthood And Kristi Noem Until Decision On Dobbs. According to KELO, “A lawsuit between Planned Parenthood and Gov. Kristi Noem is on hold. On Tuesday, a court order was announced by the U.S. Court of Appeals to put the appeal ‘in abeyance until the Supreme Court issues a decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization is granted.’” [KELO, 5/10/22]
Federal Appeals Court Announced Hold On Noem Appeal Over Three Visits For Abortion Pills Until Supreme Court Decided On Dobbs. According to the Associated Press, “A federal appeals court on Tuesday ordered that a case between Planned Parenthood and the state of South Dakota be put on hold until the U.S. Supreme Court issues a decision in a separate case that could overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade case that legalized abortion nationwide. The South Dakota lawsuit is over a rule pushed by Republican Gov. Kristi Noem that would require abortion-seekers to make three separate visits to a doctor to take abortion pills. Planned Parenthood, which operates the state’s only clinic that regularly provides abortions, asserted that the rule would have ended its ability to provide medicine-induced abortions. A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction against the rule in February, finding that it likely infringed on the right to an abortion. Noem appealed that decision. But both sides motioned for the appeal to be held in abeyance until the Supreme Court issues a decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The legal fight over requirements to get abortion pills in South Dakota may soon become moot. South Dakota is one of 13 states with a trigger law that would ban abortions altogether if Roe is overturned.” [Associated Press, 5/10/22]
Noem Told Argus Leader She Was “Absolutist” On Complete Abortion Ban Without Exception. According to the Argus Leader, “This spring, Noem told the Argus Leader she's an absolutist when it comes to her pro-life stance, desiring a complete ban on abortion without exceptions for rape or incest.” [Argus Leader, 9/2/21]
Noem Statement Said She Hoped The Supreme Court Would Strike Down Roe. According to the Associated Press, “Noem said in a statement that she was hoping the Supreme Court would strike down Roe v. Wade — the 1973 landmark decision that established a nationwide right to an abortion. South Dakota has a law that would outlaw abortions if that happened. The governor added, ‘But until that comes to pass, these bills will ensure that both unborn children and their mothers are protected in South Dakota.” [Associated Press, 1/21/22]
Noem Said She Hoped Roe v. Wade Is Overturned. According to a press release from Governor Kristi Noem, “’The time is drawing near for the Supreme Court to issue a ruling on the Dobbs case. I hope that case will overturn Roe v. Wade, but until that day, South Dakota will continue to advance legislation that protects the lives of unborn children,’ said Governor Kristi Noem. ‘The two bills that I am signing today are crucial because they are also protections for mothers. We must remember that abortion has two victims: both the unborn child who loses their life and the mother who must go through the physical and emotional trauma of the procedure.’” [Press Release Governor Kristi Noem, 3/23/22]
Noem Tweeted That Equality Begins In the Womb. According to a tweet by Kristi Noem, “Special thanks to the hundreds of thousands of amazing and courageous defenders of the unborn participating today in Washington DC at the 49th Annual @March_for_Life. Equality begins in the womb! #marchforlife” [Twitter - @KristiNoem, 1/21/22]
Noem Urged Senators To Vote “No” On The Women’s Health Protection Act. According to the governor’s official Twitter account, “Tonight, DC Democrats are trying to advance their abortion-on-demand agenda and sneak in a vote to infringe on unborn children's right to life. Urge your senator, vote no on the Abortion on Demand Until Birth Act.” [Twitter, @govkristinoem, 2/28/22]
Noem Specifically Targeted Medication Abortion As A Way To Undermine Roe. According to the New Yorker, “In South Dakota, where reproductive rights are constrained by some of the strictest laws in the country, medication abortion is being targeted by the Republican governor, Kristi Noem, who wants to ‘undermine and remove’ Roe v. Wade and outlaw abortion ‘completely.’ Last fall, she banned telehealth appointments for medication abortion, and prohibited the pills—mifepristone, to block progesterone, and misoprostol, to cause uterine contractions—from being delivered by mail or courier. Follow-up regulations issued by the state health department would require a patient to travel three times to a clinic—first to meet with a doctor, and then to receive each pill, all within five days.” [New Yorker, 3/25/22]
Noem Said “Abortion Has Two Victims,” In Move To Codify Required Three Visits For Medicated Abortion. According to the New Yorker, “Noem, whose chief of staff doubles as her ‘unborn-child advocate,’ is at the vanguard. On Wednesday, she signed a bill that would upgrade the three-visit requirement from regulation into law, and would also make it a felony to prescribe abortion pills without a state license. The law, she said, would protect mothers and the unborn, because ‘abortion has two victims.’ Noem had already been sued, in January, by the A.C.L.U. and Planned Parenthood, which argued that the health department’s three-visit rule violated the ‘undue burden’ test established thirty years ago in Planned Parenthood v. Casey.” [New Yorker, 3/25/22]
Noem Declared South Dakota Is “A Pro-Life State,” Touted Anti-Abortion Record, And Said “The Work Doesn’t End There,” In Easter Message. According to South Dakota State News, “And yet across this country, many hold up abortion as an essential right, ignoring the inherent right to life of those unborn children. Those voices, though present, don’t echo as loudly here. South Dakota is a Pro-Life state. It’s one of the few issues where there have been unanimous, bipartisan victories in the legislature on this issue. In 2021, lawmakers banned selective abortions on the basis of a Down syndrome prenatal test. That was a heartwarming moment for me as governor and as a mother. That same year, I signed the Born-Alive Protection Act to ensure that every baby, regardless of the circumstances of their birth, receives the same life-saving treatment when they are brought into this world. In the last four years, I have signed more than a dozen new laws protecting life in South Dakota. I was the first governor in the nation to appoint an Unborn Child Advocate in my office. Since then, we’ve defined abortion in statute, criminalized causing an abortion against a mother’s will, and strengthened reporting requirements. This year, we passed the strongest law in the country banning abortion via telemedicine. We’ve also continued the fight against abortion in federal court. Last year, I was the lead signee on an important amicus brief in the Dobbs v Jackson case. In that brief, I joined 240 female scholars, professionals, and others in pushing back on the Roe v Wade narrative that women cannot be both mothers and successful career women. Meanwhile, South Dakota continues to protect its pro-life standing, and the lives of mothers and children, in the decade-long legal battle in the case known as Planned Parenthood v Noem. South Dakota is closer than it has ever been to banning abortion — but the work doesn’t end there.” [South Dakota State News, 4/14/22]
Noem Touted “Pro-Life” Record On Twitter and Said She Would “Continue To Champion The Right To Life.” According to a tweet from Kristi Noem’s personal account, “As Governor of South Dakota, I will continue to champion the right to life and serve as a voice for the innocent unborn children who cannot speak for themselves.” [Twitter, @KristiNoem, 4/19/22]
Noem Tweeted Quote From Anti-Abortion Susan B. Anthony PAC President On South Dakota As “Standard For What A Pro-Life America Looks Like.” According to a tweet from Kristi Noem’s personal account, “And as Governor of South Dakota, we will continue to set the standard for what a pro-life America looks like.” [Twitter, @KristiNoem, 4/20/22]
Noem Called Dobbs Case Most Important Oral Argument In Decades. According to the Sioux City Journal, “Noem, who has positioned herself for a 2024 White House bid and is staking out a lead role in the fight against abortion, called the latest U.S. Supreme Court case ‘the most important oral argument that we will have in decades.’” [Sioux City Journal, 11/29/21]
After POLITICO Leaked Draft Of Dobbs Decision, Noem Said She Would Immediately Call For Special Session To Ban Abortion In South Dakota. According to a tweet from Governor Kristi Noem, “If this report is true and Roe v. Wade is overturned, I will immediately call for a special session to save lives and guarantee that every unborn child has a right to life in South Dakota.” [Twitter, @GovKristiNoem, 5/2/22]
Noem Expressed Support For Overturning Roe After Leaked Draft Of Dobbs Decision. According to a tweet from Kristi Noem, “Today, and everyday, would be a good day to overturn Roe v. Wade.” [Twitter, @KristiNoem, 5/3/22]
Noem Promised Special Legislative Session If Roe Is Overturned. According to the Associated Press, “South Dakota’s anti-abortion lawmakers and the state’s only abortion provider are poised to turn their fight to accessing abortion over state lines if the U.S. Supreme Court follows through on a draft opinion that overturns the 1973 Roe v. Wade case that legalized abortion nationwide. A decision to overrule Roe would trigger a 2005 law that outlaws abortions in the state. That would not be enough for Gov. Kristi Noem. The Republican governor promised on Twitter late Monday that she would call a special legislative session if Roe is overturned. Noem’s spokesman Ian Fury declined to discuss her reasoning, saying only that her tweet ‘speaks for itself.’ However, Republican Rep. Jon Hansen suggested a special session could be used to ‘bolster’ the state’s trigger law, including helping ‘make sure pregnant mothers are protected from being pressured or coerced across state lines to have their babies’ lives terminated.’” [Associated Press, 5/3/22]
Noem Co-Sponsored Anti-Abortion Bill In Congress. According to the Rapid City Journal, “Rep. Kristi Noem, R-S.D., has signed on as a co-sponsor to an anti-abortion bill in Congress. The ‘No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act’ forbids federal money from being used to pay for abortions or to pay for health insurance that covers abortions. It also denies health care tax credits for any plan that covers abortions.” [Rapid City Journal via Nexis, 1/27/11]
Noem Voted For And Co-Sponsored The “No Taxpayer Funding For Abortion Act” In 2011. According to Congress.gov, Noem co-sponsored and voted for H.R. 3, the “No Taxpayer Funding For Abortion Act.” [Congress.gov, accessed 5/9/22; H.R. 3, Roll Call 292, 5/4/11]
Noem Voted For And Co-Sponsored The “No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2014.” According to Congress.gov, Noem co-sponsored and voted for H.R. 7, the “No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2014.” [Congress.gov, accessed 5/9/22; H.R. 7, Roll Call 30, 1/28/14]
Noem Voted For And Co-Sponsored The “No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2017.” According to Congress.gov, Noem co-sponsored and voted for H.R. 7, the “No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2017.” [Congress.gov, accessed 5/9/22; H.R. 7, Roll Call 65, 1/24/17]
Noem Voted For And Co-Sponsored The “Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act” In 2015. According to Congress.gov, Noem co-sponsored and voted for H.R. 3504, the “Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.” [Congress.gov, accessed 5/6/22; H.R. 3504, Roll Call 506, 9/18/15]
Noem Co-Sponsored The “Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act” In 2017. According to Congress.gov, Noem co-sponsored H.R.37, the “Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.” [Congress.gov, accessed 5/9/22]
Noem Voted For And Co-Sponsored The “Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act” In 2018. According to Congress.gov, Noem co-sponsored and voted for H.R. 4712, the “Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.” [Congress.gov, accessed 5/9/22; H.R. 4712, Roll Call 36, 1/19/18]
Noem Co-Sponsored And Voted For The “Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act” In 2017. According to Congress.gov, Noem co-sponsored and voted for H.R. 36, the “Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act.” [Congress.gov, accessed 5/9/22; H.R. 36, Roll Call 549, 10/3/17]
ACLU Argued H.R. 36 Contradicted Precedent On Pre-Viability Pregnancies. According to the American Civil Liberties Union, “By banning abortions beginning at 20 weeks post-fertilization—a pre-viability stage of pregnancy—H.R. 36 directly contradicts longstanding precedent holding that a woman should ‘be free from unwarranted governmental intrusion’ when deciding whether to continue or terminate a pre-viability pregnancy.” [ACLU, 10/2/17]
ACLU Argued H.R. 36 Included Narrow Exception To Preserve A Woman’s Life, Not Woman’s Health. According to the American Civil Liberties Union, “H.R. 36 also fails to protect women’s health. It includes a narrow exception to preserve a woman’s life only- not her health, as longstanding precedent requires. Many things can go wrong during a pregnancy and a woman’s health could be at risk in complex ways that require urgent care. This bill would effectively force a woman and her doctor to wait until her condition is life threatening to finally act to protect her health, and she may suffer serious health consequences as a result.” [[ACLU, 10/2/17]
Noem Co-Sponsored And Voted For The “Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act.” According to Congress.gov, Noem co-sponsored and voted for H.R. 1797, the “Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act.” [Congress.gov, accessed 5/9/22; H.R. 1719, Roll Call 251, 6/18/13]
Noem Co-Sponsored And Voted For The “District Of Columbia Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act” In 2012. According to Congress.gov, Noem co-sponsored and voted for H.R. 3803, “District Of Columbia Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act.” [Congress.gov, accessed 5/9/22; H.R. 3803, Roll Call 539, 7/31/12]
Noem Co-Sponsored The “Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act” In 2011. According to Congress.gov, Noem co-sponsored H.R 217, “Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act.” [Congress.gov, accessed 5/9/22]
Noem Co-Sponsored The “Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act” In 2013. According to Congress.gov, Noem co-sponsored H.R 61, “Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act.” [Congress.gov, accessed 5/9/22]
Noem Co-Sponsored The “Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act." According to Congress.gov, Noem co-sponsored H.R 217, “Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act.” [Congress.gov, accessed 5/9/22]
“Life At Conception Act” Was Introduced In House In 2011 With Noem As Co-Sponsor. According to Congress.gov, Noem co-sponsored H.R. 374, “Life At Conception Act.” [Congress.gov, accessed 5/9/22]
“Life At Conception Act” Was Introduced In House In 2013 With Noem As Co-Sponsor. According to Congress,gov, Noem co-sponsored H.R. 1091, “Life At Conception Act.” [Congress.gov, accessed 5/9/22]
“Life At Conception Act” Was Introduced In House In 2015 With Noem As Co-Sponsor. According to Congress.gov, Noem co-sponsored H.R. 816, “Life At Conception Act.” [Congress.gov, accessed 5/9/22]
“Life At Conception Act” Was Introduced In House In 2017 With Noem As Co-Sponsor. According to Congress.gov, Noem co-sponsored H.R. 681 “Life At Conception Act.” [Congress.gov, accessed 5/9/22]
“Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act” Was Introduced In House In 2012 With Noem As Co-Sponsor. According to Congress.gov, Noem co-sponsored H.R. 2299, “Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act.” [Congress.gov, accessed 5/9/22]
**Noem Co-Sponsored The “Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act (PRENDA) Of 2013.” **According to Congress.gov, Noem co-sponsored H.R. 447, “Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act (PRENDA) of 2013.” [Congress.gov, accessed 5/9/22]
Noem Co-Sponsored The “Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act (PRENDA) Of 2016.” According to Congress.gov, Noem co-sponsored H.R. 4924, “Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act (PRENDA) of 2016.” [Congress.gov, accessed 5/9/22]
Noem Co-Sponsored The “Health Care Conscience Rights Act” In 2013. According to Congress.gov, Noem co-sponsored H.R. 940, “Health Care Conscience Rights.” [Congress.gov, accessed 5/9/22]
Noem Co-Sponsored The “Health Care Conscience Rights Act." According to Congress.gov, Noem co-sponsored H.R. 940, “Health Care Conscience Rights.” [Congress.gov, accessed 5/9/22]
Noem Co-Sponsored The “Conscience Protection Act Of 2016.” According to Congress.gov, Noem co-sponsored H.R. 4828, “Conscience Protection Act Of 2016.” [Congress.gov, accessed 5/9/22]
Noem Co-Sponsored The “Conscience Protection Act Of 2017.” According to Congress.gov, Noem co-sponsored H.R. 644, “Conscience Protection Act Of 2017.” [Congress.gov, accessed 5/9/22]
Noem Applauded Trump’s Proposal To End Family Planning Funding For Abortion Providers. According to a press release from then-Rep. Kristi Noem, “Rep. Kristi Noem today applauded President Trump's proposal to end family planning funding for abortion providers, like Planned Parenthood, and redirect those resources into health centers that do not promote or perform abortions. In South Dakota, there are six federally qualified health centers operating in 45 service sites, but just one Planned Parenthood center. ‘Taxpayers should not have to bear the abortion industry's financial burden - directly or indirectly,’ said Noem. ‘I am proud to stand with President Trump in protecting taxpayer dollars from abortion advocates, using those family-planning dollars instead to provide comprehensive, life-affirming care to women.’” [Rep. Noem Press Release, 5/18/18]
Noem Said She Has Been Working To End Taxpayer Funding For Planned Parenthood. According to a press release from then-Rep. Kristi Noem, “The defunding of Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers is an issue I've been working on for some time. Most recently, I reached out in a letter to President Trump urging him to make the Title X change and explaining that taxpayers should not be subsidizing the abortion industry. According to a recent Government Accountability Office report, Planned Parenthood receives roughly $60 million annually in family planning funding. This is wrong. Taxpayers should not have to bear the abortion industry's financial burden - directly or indirectly.” [Rep. Noem Press Release, 4/25/18]
Noem Co-Sponsored And Voted For The “Defund Planned Parenthood Act Of 2015.” According to Congress.gov, Noem co-sponsored and voted for H.R. 3134, “Defund Planned Parenthood Act Of 2015.” [Congress.gov, accessed 5/9/22; H.R. 3134, Roll Call 505, 9/18/15]
Noem Co-Sponsored The “Defund Planned Parenthood Act Of 2017.” According to Congress.gov, Noem co-sponsored H.R. 354, “Defund Planned Parenthood Act Of 2017.” [Congress.gov, accessed 5/9/22]
Noem Co-Sponsored The “Heartbeat Protection Act Of 2017.” According to Congress.gov, Noem co-sponsored H.R. 490, “Heartbeat Protection Act Of 2017.” [Congress.gov, accessed 5/9/22]
Noem Co-Sponsored The “No Abortions Bonds Act” In 2017. According to Congress.gov, Noem co-sponsored H.R. 4131, “No Abortions Bonds Act.” [Congress.gov, accessed 5/9/22]