S. Dakota Passes Law Requiring Women Seeking an Abortion to Sign Warning That They Will Be 'Terminating the Life of a Whole, Separate, Unique, Living Human Being'

Bob Mercer / Teresa Neumann reporting : Mar 18, 2005
Boston Globe

A new state law in South Dakota requires doctors to have women sign a statement before performing an abortion. The statement notifies the patient that they are "terminating the life of’ a whole, separate, unique, living human being."

It also informs the woman that she has ''an existing relationship with that unborn human being" and that the relationship is protected under the US Constitution and the laws of South Dakota, according to a report in the Boston Globe.

The report adds that women must also be told of the mental and physical health risks of abortion. If a woman has questions, the doctor must answer them in writing, and the answers become part of the patient's medical records.