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South Dakota Abortion Laws


Explanation of Chart and More Information on Abortion Laws

Code Section 22-17-5, 6; 34-23A-1 to 45
Statutory Definition of Illegal Abortion(1) Failure to meet standards for legal abortion; (2) failure of M.D. to obtain informed consent; (3)Partial Birth abortion is unlawful except in order to save the life of the mother when it is endangered by physical disorder, illness, or injury and no other medical procedure would suffice.
Statutory Definition of Legal Abortion1-24th wk.-in M.D.'s medical judgment; after 24th week, necessary to preserve life, health of mother
Penalty for Unlawful AbortionViolating informed consent statutes: Class 2 misdemeanor, fine of $100 and/or imprisonment 30 days; any unauthorized abortion: Class 6 felony, fine to 2000 and/or imprisonment 2 years; intentional killing of fetus by causing injury to mother: Class 4 felony
Consent RequirementsVoluntary written informed consent of mother 24 hours before procedure; if mother unmarried minor, 48-hr. notice to parent/guardian also required; parental consent exempted with medical emergency, judicial waiver.
Residency Requirements for Patients-
Physician Licensing RequirementsFirst 12 weeks, licensed M.D., solely medical judgment; after 24 wks., licensed M.D. and hospital. After 12 wks., only for medical necessity

Note: State laws are constantly changing -- contact an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.

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