South Dakota governor orders restrictions on abortion meds
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. 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. Access to abortion medication has become a pressing issue after last week a Texas law took effect banning abortions once medical professionals can detect cardiac activity, usually around six weeks and before many women know they’re pregnant. In response to the Texas law taking effect last week, President Joe Biden has vowed to look at “what steps the federal government can take to ensure that women in Texas have access to safe and legal abortions.” Noem’s order makes it clear she expects the Legislature to make her order into law next year.