South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, a Republican, recently aligned with former President Trump on the abortion issue, emphasizing that state-level determination of laws is crucial.
During an interview on “State of the Union,” CNN’s Dana Bash inquired about Governor Noem’s alignment with former President Trump regarding abortion laws being determined by individual states. Notably, Noem had previously co-sponsored federal legislation to ban abortion while serving in the House, but her perspective shifted after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.
Noem Stated, “The environment changed when Roe v. Wade was overturned. That returned the power back to the States, which is appropriate, and Donald Trump is exactly right. Every state’s laws will look different based on what the people in those states want to be their law when it comes to abortion.”
NOW- South Dakota Governor, Kristi Noem, says that President Trump’s new stance on abortion is “exactly right” pic.twitter.com/YZlEhGYeIH
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She added, “And we should be focusing on these women that are in crisis and they’re in unprecedented situations, and they need help and support and all the information that they can possibly have. So, my state’s laws may look different than what’s going on in California or Arizona or New York and I think that’s entirely appropriate.”
Recently, Trump expressed the view that individual states should have the authority to determine their own abortion laws. This stance diverges from some fellow party members who advocate for a federal ban on abortion. Additionally, Trump clarified that he would not endorse a nationwide abortion ban.
Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem announced that doctors who perform abortions will face prosecution in her state. This action comes after a new trigger law took effect in response to the Supreme Court decision. South Dakota’s ban on abortion now allows exceptions only when the life of the pregnant person is at risk.
She said on CNN, “While I hold pro-life views, I don’t consider myself a dictator. Donald Trump’s acknowledgment of states’ constitutional authority resonates with me. It’s refreshing to see a presidential candidate who adheres to our Constitution and recognizes that decisions regarding abortion should be made at the state level.”
When asked about whether she thinks South Dakota’s abortion law is too restrictive, Noem responded that it aligns with the desires of the state’s residents. The abortion ban in South Dakota does not include exceptions for cases of rape or incest.
She said, “I believe that our current law in South Dakota reflects the desires of our state’s residents. The ongoing debate will continue, and I remain committed to fulfilling my role, which is to ensure that the people’s will is upheld.”
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