The South Dakota House of Representatives has made history by passing the first-ever "Med Ed" bill in the nation. The bipartisan bill, sponsored by Rep. Taylor Rehfeldt (R), Rep. Joh Hansen (R), Rep. Oren Lesmeister (D), and 27 other lawmakers, aims to protect the lives of pregnant women and provide clarity to medical professionals regarding emergency care under South Dakota's life at conception law.

The Med Ed Bill received overwhelming support with a 63-6 vote in favor. Its purpose is to combat the misinformation spread by the abortion industry and ensure that pregnant women receive timely and necessary emergency care. The bill seeks to educate medical professionals on the specifics of South Dakota's abortion law, the most common medical conditions that endanger pregnant women's lives or health, the standards of care for treating pregnant women in emergencies, and the ability of practitioners to use their medical judgment.

Kelsey Pritchard, state public affairs director for SBA Pro-Life America, expressed gratitude to Rep. Taylor Rehfeldt for championing this legislation. Pritchard emphasized the importance of protecting women's lives and debunking the lies propagated by abortion activists: "South Dakota is showing the rest of the nation how to protect women's lives by making it abundantly clear that pregnant women can and must receive timely emergency care under our pro-life law. Abortion activists have sown confusion on this point around the nation to justify their agenda for no limits on abortion. This lie not only deceives but puts women in danger, and a Med Ed policy is the solution."

During the House floor debate, Rep. Rehfeldt highlighted the significance of the bill, stating, "Mother's lives are worth having a conversation about. Mother's lives are worth having a bill." She also emphasized the support from various stakeholders, including healthcare professionals and organizations, as well as the Department of Health. The bill aims to rely on the expertise of medical and legal professionals to ensure the best care for mothers.

The bill had previously passed in the House State Affairs committee with overwhelming support and no opposition. Testimonies in favor of the bill were given by the Governor's Office, the Department of Health, SBA Pro-Life America, SD Right to Life, and Sanford Health. Grace Beck, representing Sanford Health, highlighted the importance of recognizing the health of both the mother and the child, stating, "At Sanford Health, we recognize that each time a mother walks through our doors, we've been entrusted with the health of two patients. The mother and the child. We are supportive of House Bill 1224 and appreciative of the prime sponsor's efforts to provide clarity around our abortion laws."

The passage of this groundbreaking Med Ed Bill in South Dakota sets an example for the rest of the nation in protecting the lives of pregnant women and ensuring that they receive the necessary emergency care. This legislation serves as a crucial step in countering the misinformation spread by the abortion industry and advocating for the well-being of both mothers and their unborn children.