By: Dale Bartscher, SDRTL Associate Director

Three of Our Bills Headed for the Governor’s Desk...

We are currently in WEEK NINE of the nine-week South Dakota Legislative Session and as of today the following three significant LIFE Bills have passed both the House and the Senate and are now on their way to the Governor’s Desk for his ‘anticipated' signatures:

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House Bill 1257 - Definition of Abortion Bill: ”An Act to Amend the Definition of an Abortion.”  This Bill adds additional clarity to our pro-life laws, specifically explaining that miscarriage treatment and ectopic pregnancies do not count as “abortions” under South Dakota law. Our laws already provided for these and other pregnancy-related complications, but in light of the misinformation we have seen in recent years the decision was made to specifically explain that these treatments are not abortions and are allowed under South Dakota law.

House Bill 1274 - Chemical Abortion Pill Bill:  ”An Act to prohibit the dispensing, distribution, sale, or advertisement of certain articles or things for purposes of an unlawful abortion and provide a criminal and civil penalty therefore.”  This Bill gives the Attorney General additional tools to prosecute the companies that are mailing or trafficking of drugs for illegal abortions into the state. These pills end the life of an unborn baby, and have a 22x higher complication rate than the industry had previously claimed.  

House Bill 1313 - Fetal Development Classroom Video Bill:  ”An Act to require the inclusion of a human fetal development video in any course that addresses human growth, development, or sexuality.”  This Bill requires education, in the form of an at least a 3-minute video, on prenatal human growth and development in South Dakota's public schools. This measure promises to help students gain an appreciation for the dignity of unborn human life, and think with greater clarity on ethical issues at the beginning of life. 

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WAIT FOR IT — We will have a complete ‘Legislative Wrap-Up’ in next week’s UPDATE. Keep up with the legislative agenda of SD Right to Life by visiting our Legislative Radar Page at www.sdRightToLife.org.  Friends, "Thank you for standing with us and praying for us as together we advocate and legislate for LIFE.” 

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March 10, 2026

WASHINGTON — A new Wyoming law protecting an unborn child once her heart begins to beat has been signed by Gov. Mark Gordon, making the state the fifth in the nation to enact such protections.

The measure prohibits most abortions after a heartbeat can be detected, which occurs approximately 18-22 days after fertilization. The law includes an exception when necessary to preserve the life or health of the mother in cases of imminent medical danger. 

“We thank Governor Gordon for signing this vital law,” said Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life. “Wyoming’s action reflects an ongoing national conversation about how our laws should recognize the humanity of the unborn child while ensuring that her mother receives appropriate care.”

According to state health officials, Wyoming recorded 625 abortions in 2024, the most recent year for which complete data are available.

The enactment comes as abortion policy across the United States continues to evolve following the 2022 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which returned primary authority over abortion policy to the states.

Since that decision, states have taken varied approaches to abortion regulation. Some states have enacted laws protecting unborn children at different stages of pregnancy, while others have pushed for an expansion of unlimited abortion and abortion pills by mail.

Founded in 1968, the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), the federation of affiliates in each of the 50 states, is the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots pro-life organization. National Right to Life works through legislation and education to protect innocent human life from abortion, infanticide, assisted suicide, and euthanasia.

One of our amazing SDRTL Chapters has stepped up to fully sponsor one young adult, age 18–25, to attend the National Right to Life Academy for one week this summer in Washington, D.C. This incredible academy offers intensive pro-life training led by foremost leaders in the movement, covering topics such as:

• abortion
• euthanasia
• stem cell research
• Planned Parenthood
• legislative strategy
• politics
• communication
• grassroots organizing
• IVF...and much more!

The cost per student is $2,500, which covers tuition for the Academy, one round-trip flight, a seven-night hotel stay, and meals. Our goal is to match this gift and send two outstanding young leaders from South Dakota to attend. If we exceed our goal, we will be able to sponsor additional students.

If you would like to help our Chapters make this opportunity possible, please donate using the link below. In the “In Honor” section, please enter “Academy.” Checks may also be mailed, with “Academy” noted in the memo line, to:

SDRTL

4001 W Valhalla Blvd, Ste 101

Sioux Falls, SD, 57106

If you or someone you know is interested in applying for the NRLC Academy, download the application here.

Thank you so much for investing in South Dakota's future pro-life leaders! We will keep you up to date on those chosen for this incredible opportunity.

We are so thankful for your heart for moms, dads, and babies in SD. We love our partners!

If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation, make your check out to "South Dakota Right to Life Education Fund," or give online at SDRighttoLife.org. Mail your donations to:

SDRTL

4001 W Valhalla Blvd, Ste 101

Sioux Falls, SD 57106