Legislation that aims to ban dilation and evacuation or D&E abortion procedures has passed a legislative committee. House Bill 1230 specifically refers to the practice as “beheading” an “unborn child” and makes the practice a Class 1 felony. Senator Jenna Haggar of Sioux Falls says D&E abortions are unacceptable.
"This type of abortion is extreme and one of the most cruel ways to kill an unborn child," says Haggar.
Planned Parenthood is the only abortion provider in South Dakota. A spokesperson for the organization says they do not practice D&E abortions at their clinic in Sioux Falls. D&E abortion procedures are reserved for women who have abortions after their 1st trimester of pregnancy. South Dakota’s Planned Parenthood clinic only provides abortions for women within their 1st trimester.
House Bill 1230 passed by a vote of 10 to 2 and now moves to the house floor for further discussion.