South Dakota Governor Announces 2 Pro-Life Bills That Would Ban Almost All Abortions

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem on Friday announced two bills that would ban almost all abortions in the state, with one seeking to ban abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected, and the other seeking to ban telemedicine abortions.

“Every human life is unique and beautiful from the moment it is conceived. Every life is worthy of our protection, worthy of the right to live,” Noem, a Republican, said in a statement. “These bills will ensure that both unborn children and their mothers are protected in South Dakota.”

The governor has previewed the heartbeat bill for weeks, and it has received an enthusiastic reception from fellow Republicans who dominate the state’s Legislature. It would prohibit abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected, usually at around six weeks gestation, before some women know they are pregnant. The law has no exception for rape or incest.