South Dakota has enacted a law establishing a 72-hour waiting period for all abortions—by far the longest in the United States. Republican Gov. Dennis Daugaard signed the measure into law on Tuesday following its approval in the state legislature. The law also requires a woman to undergo pre-abortion counseling to ensure her decision is “voluntary, uncoerced, and informed.” No other state has a mandatory abortion waiting period more than 24 hours. Pro-choice groups have vowed to appeal.
South Dakota Enacts 72-Hour Wait for Abortions
HeadlineMar 23, 2011