South Dakota Governor Backs Bill to Ban Abortions of Down Syndrome Babies

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem gives a State of the State address in Pierre, S.D., on Jan. 8, 2019. James Nord/AP Photo

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is introducing legislation to the South Dakota legislature that would prevent abortion of babies based solely on a diagnose of Down Syndrome.

“I’m proposing a bill to the legislature that would prevent abortions for babies based on a Down syndrome diagnosis. So, the doctor would be prevented to conduct an abortion on a woman ... because a child has been diagnosed specifically just for Down syndrome,” the Republican told “Fox & Friends” on Tuesday.

Joining Noem at the governor’s house for the state of the union address was Fox News contributor Rachel Campos-Duffy and her husband, former Wisconsin Rep. Sean Duffy. The Duffys were invited by Noem to speak about their daughter Valentina, who was born with Down syndrome.

Noem said that “every single life is precious, regardless of what situation the family is facing,” adding, “I think Valentina, right here, her little face shows what a blessing that she is to this family, and they’re going to be here talking to the people of South Dakota and our legislators about how important that bill is.”

South Dakota generally bans abortions at twenty weeks also people seeking abortions need to wait a period of 72 hours and get counseling before having the procedure.

Campos-Duffy said she is “proud of Gov. Noem for taking on an important issue.” Adding, “I don’t think it’s a coincidence that she is a mom and this is coming out of a mom governor. At this time, especially, I think we are living in a time where so many people are being censored and I think Governor Kristie Noem is giving a voice to a group of people who don’t have a voice, who don’t have a lobby, who don’t have anyone to fight for them other than their moms and good leaders like Governor Noem.”

“I would just say to any woman who has a diagnosis, who gets that call from the doctor, just like I did, Valentina has given me as much joy and pride as any of my other little babies, and she is an American and she has the right to live, just like everybody else,” said Campos-Duffy.

The governor said that in her state of the union address to South Dakotans she would be giving an update about the past year and the future of the state.

“I will talk about strong families, our economy, how to invest in our future and protecting life,” Noem said.

According to a social media post and her appearance on Fox News, abortion will be one of the key topics discussed during the 2021 South Dakota Legislative session.