In an utterly stunning statement, Governor Kristi Noem of South Dakota appears to advocate for the position of compelling rape and incest survivors to carry their pregnancies to term.
During an interview with CNN’s Dana Bash, Noem discussed her state’s stance on abortion, which lacks exceptions for cases of rape, akin to Arizona’s longstanding law from the Civil War era.
When questioned about her personal stance and what she believes South Dakota’s laws should encompass, Noem deflected, emphasizing her commitment to upholding existing legislation.
“Our law today allows an exception to save the life of the mother, but the people in South Dakota will decide what their laws look like,” Noem explained.
Bash persisted, seeking clarity on whether exceptions should be made for rape and incest victims.
Do you think there should be exceptions for rape and incest, for example?” Bash asked.
Noem reiterated her pro-life stance and highlighted the existing provision in South Dakota law, suggesting a shocking disregard for the immense physical and emotional toll forced pregnancies can inflict on survivors of such heinous crimes.
“That’s what’s different, Dana, is that I’ve constantly looked, and we rely in South Dakota on the fact that I’m pro-life and we have a law that says that there is an exception for the life of the mother,” Noem said. “And I just don’t believe a tragedy should perpetuate another tragedy.”
“I believe in taking care of mothers that are in a crisis situation and that we should be walking alongside them, giving them all the information and the best information they can make before they have to be put in a situation where an abortion is the only option that they have,” the governor added.
Watch the interview below from CNN:
