SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — A new video posted on South Dakota’s Department of Health Website explaining when physicians can perform abortions in the state is getting mixed reactions.
“We’re so grateful that Melissa Magstadt, that our South Dakota Secretary of Health, put out very thorough and very clear guidance to medical professionals to know how to handle these situations,” Life Defense Fund spokesperson Caroline Woods said.
“I get the sense when I watch the video that the state is honestly a little embarrassed about the effects of the abortion law, or at least concerned,” Nancy Turbak Berry, chair of the Coalition for Freedom Amendment said.
Turbak Berry said she thinks the state’s recent video raises more questions than it does answers for physicians.
“It says that no statement in the video is legally binding,” Turbak Berry said. “If our own Department of Health and Attorney General aren’t sure what South Dakota’s abortion law means, if it’s so big that even they won’t go on record to make any binding statements, then how in the world are doctors supposed to navigate the mess?”
Other groups, like the Life Defense Fund, would argue the video does exactly what it was designed to do — clear up false information and help medical professionals navigate situations.
“If there was any ambiguity, there’s certainly not anymore,” Woods said. “We’re very thankful for that because women now in South Dakota can get the care and the protection they need for any cases like ectopic pregnancies or miscarriages in general.”
State law makes it a felony crime to perform an abortion except if the mother’s life is in danger. Woods adds this video further clarifies that.
“The life of the mother is always first and foremost,” Woods said. “I think most doctors and nurses know that already. But this is just to push out without a shadow of a doubt that women here in South Dakota are protected.”
But one physician, Dr. Marvin Buehner who’s been practicing OB-GYN for over 30 years, said it only provides a political cover.
“I would suggest that doctors don’t use it,” he said. “I think it would be foolhardy for a doctor to use this video as a guide to navigating the waters of the abortion of the of our medical landscape after the abortion ban.”
No matter what people think of the video, the future of abortion in South Dakota will be up to voters in November.
KELOLAND News also reached out to the South Dakota Department of Health for an interview or comment on the video but have not heard back.
