Will I be thrown in jail if I have an abortion in South Dakota?
What are the current South Dakota abortion laws?
Those are important questions—especially if you find yourself with an unplanned pregnancy. With so much misinformation circulating, it’s easy to feel confused or afraid. We’re here to clear things up because we believe women deserve facts, not fear.
Keep reading to learn what South Dakota law actually says—and what that means for you.
The Current South Dakota Abortion Law
According to the South Dakota legislature, “Any person who administers to any pregnant female or who prescribes or procures for any pregnant female any medicine, drug, or substance or uses or employs any instrument or other means with intent thereby to procure an abortion, unless there is appropriate and reasonable medical judgment that performance of an abortion is necessary to preserve the life of the pregnant female, is guilty of a Class 6 felony.”
So what does that mean?
It means women in South Dakota are not being prosecuted for having an abortion—but the person who performs or provides the abortion is. The law also allows exceptions to protect the life of the mother. Again, you will not be thrown in jail if you have an abortion in South Dakota.The Cost of Misinformation
Because of widespread confusion, some women are ordering abortion pills online without first getting a pre-abortion screening. But here’s why that matters:
Not everyone is a candidate for the abortion pill. According to the Mayo Clinic, certain pre-existing conditions and medications can make the abortion pill ineffective—or even dangerous.
Another harmful myth encourages women to lie to medical providers if emergency care is needed, suggesting they say they’re having a miscarriage instead of admitting to taking abortion pills.
Honesty with your healthcare provider is always essential. Any source that promotes deception should be approached with serious caution.YOUR SAFETY IS OUR MISSION
Even though you won’t be thrown in jail if you have an abortion in South Dakota, there is no actual location to have an abortion in South Dakota. Your options are to travel out of state or to order the abortion pill online.
If you decide to order and take the abortion pill, you won’t have a medical provider present during the process. Our mission is to equip you with clear, accurate information so you can stay safe and know what to expect.
The abortion pill can cause heavy bleeding, strong cramping, infection, or an incomplete abortion. It’s important to understand what’s normal and what may be a sign of a complication.
We truly hope you don’t experience any medical emergencies—but if you do, we want you to recognize the warning signs and know when to seek immediate care.
Get a Screening—at No Cost
Before traveling out of state for an abortion or ordering abortion pills online, it’s vital to have a pre-abortion screening. Our registered nurses provide these legal, confidential screenings at zero cost to women considering abortion.
We believe no woman should miss out on medical care because of cost. You deserve the chance to get the facts, ask questions, and receive professional support before making such an important decision.
You can schedule your confidential screening online 24/7 by tapping here.
Remember: The decision is yours alone—but you don’t have to make it alone.