A bipartisan bill aimed at protecting pregnant women's lives in South Dakota is on the cusp of reaching the Governor's desk for final approval. The Med Ed Bill, sponsored by several lawmakers, including Sen. Erin Tobin and Rep. Taylor Rehfeldt, is designed to provide clarity to medical professionals regarding the provision of emergency care to pregnant women under the state's life at conception law.

During a recent Senate State Affairs Committee meeting, Kelsey Pritchard, the state public affairs director for SBA Pro-Life America, expressed disappointment at the ACLU's opposition to the bill, stating, "The South Dakota Med Ed Bill is not political...supporting this policy is the right thing to do." Pritchard highlighted the importance of protecting women's lives and criticized the abortion lobby for spreading misinformation that endangers women.

Sen. Erin Tobin emphasized the bill's significance in combating misinformation, stating, "HB 1224 is an actual way to battle misinformation in the state of South Dakota." Tobin underscored the importance of ensuring that the state's laws regarding emergency care for pregnant women are clearly understood by all stakeholders.

Support for the Med Ed Bill was also voiced by Ally Brandner, a lobbyist for Sanford Health, who acknowledged the importance of providing clarity on the issue. Brandner stated, "At Sanford, we realize that we are entrusted with both the life of the pregnant mother and the child, and we appreciate the sponsor’s efforts to provide clarity."

The South Dakota Med Ed Bill aims to address the confusion caused by the abortion industry by providing direct education to medical professionals. The legislation, if passed, will establish materials through the Department of Health in collaboration with the attorney general, medical professionals, and legal experts. These materials will cover various aspects of the state's abortion law and the standards of care for treating pregnant women in medical emergencies.

The Med Ed Bill has received significant support from various quarters and is seen as a crucial step towards protecting the lives of pregnant women in the state. If the bill successfully clears the final vote in the Senate, it will signify a major milestone in ensuring the safety and well-being of pregnant women in South Dakota.