If you are pregnant with an unexpected, unwanted, or untimely pregnancy, and are a resident of South Dakota, your options have been limited by the recent Supreme Court decision (Roe v. Wade) and changes in South Dakota’s abortion laws.
Abortion in South Dakota is currently banned with very limited exceptions. Anyone who induces an abortion is "guilty of a Class 6 felony." An exception is included to "preserve the life of the pregnant female," given "appropriate and reasonable medical judgment."
What can I do?
So, what can you, as a South Dakota pregnant woman do?
First, make sure you understand Roe v. Wade and the laws of South Dakota.
In 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court in Roe v. Wade ruled abortion was protected by the Constitution regardless of the laws of South Dakota, or any other state. The U.S. Supreme Court has now reversed Roe v. Wade, and there is no longer a constitutional right to abortion.
This decision means that abortion rights changed in South Dakota. For all practical purposes, abortion will not be available, or be very limited, in South Dakota and many other states.
Now, returning to what can you, as a pregnant woman living in South Dakota, do since abortion in your state may no longer an option for you.
Your options may include including:
(1) traveling to a state where an abortion may be possible;
(2) carrying the pregnancy and raising the child either yourself or with the birthfather, or letting the father raise the child;
(3) having a family member or friend raise the child;
(4) placing the child in the South Dakota foster care system; or
(5) consider placing the baby for adoption.
If you are thinking of placing your baby for adoption, we can help you. Since 1985, our licensed not-for-profit agency, Adoption Services (www.adoptionservices.org), has completed almost 900 successful adoptions of babies with loving families. We can help you find just the right family to adopt your baby.
You may find the following links to be helpful:
https://www.adoptionservices.org/unplanned-pregnancy/
https://www.adoptionservices.org/abortion-alternatives/
Please review all your options and you can give me, Dr. Berger*, a call or click on the Contact Us button to send me an email. There is never any cost or obligation on your part.
*Please note: I am a Ph.D. Psychologist, not an attorney. When it comes to the current law and legal issues, make sure to check with an attorney in South Dakota.