Governor Larry Rhoden used his State of the State address Tuesday to argue that abortion pills are unsafe and to call for legislation blocking them from entering South Dakota. He told lawmakers the medication carries a “higher rate of medical complications,” a claim strongly disputed by medical experts.
Retired OB/GYN Dr. Marvin Buehner said the pills are “much safer than carrying a pregnancy to term” and even safer than common medications like penicillin or Tylenol. He also pushed back on Rhoden’s assertion that federal health officials are reviewing the drugs’ safety, saying existing research already shows they are “extremely safe and effective.”
Rhoden said he plans to work with legislators and the Attorney General to pass a ban this session. Buehner countered that the issue should not be legislated, arguing that government interference in reproductive health undermines good medicine, public health, and the well‑being of pregnant women in the state.
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