Fact Check Center

Abortion in South Dakota: Rare and Heavily Regulated

South Dakota has one of the lowest abortion rates in the country and abortions performed in South Dakota represent just 0.1% of all abortions in the United States. [ "http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/sfaa/south_dakota.html">Guttmacher Institute, 8/11/08]

In 2007, approximately one quarter of abortions in South Dakota occurred among women aged 30 – 45 years.  Additionally, more than 80% of abortions occurred among women aged 20 – 45 years. [Planned Parenthood of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, 8/11/08]

According to the South Dakota Department of Health’s 2006 abortion report, 710 of the 748 abortions done in South Dakota (94.9%) were performed in the first trimester.  [SD Department of Health, 8/11/08]

Fully 81% of women receiving abortion care in South Dakota in 2007 are at or below 200% of the federal poverty level ($35,200 for a family of three.) [Planned Parenthood of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, 8/11/08]

In 2006, over half (55%) of women seeking abortion were already mothers of at least one child.  [SD Department of Health, 8/11/08]

South Dakota’s regulations on abortion are the most burdensome in the country.  Before an abortion is performed, the following requirements must be met:



  • The woman must receive state-mandated “counseling.” [SD Codified Law, 34-23A-10.1., 8/11/08]

  • The woman must wait at least 24 hours after the state-mandated “counseling” before procedure may be provided.  [SD Codified Law, 34-23A-10.1., 8/11/08]

  • If the patient is a minor, a parent or guardian of the patient must be notified. [SD Codified Law, 20-9-4.2., 8/11/08]

  • The doctor must offer the woman an opportunity to view a sonogram, and must then record any responses in her permanent medical records. [SD Codified Law, 34-23A-52 8/11/08]

  • The doctor must deliver a government-dictated script to women designed to intimidate her and discourage her decision.  The mandatory language includes statements of fact which are contrary to all available medical research. [SD Codified Law, 34-23A-10.1., 8/11/08]