Republican South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem proposed passing a law that “bans the abortion of a preborn child” based on a Down Syndrome diagnosis Tuesday.
Noem said in her 2021 State of the Senate speech Tuesday that she is calling on the South Dakota legislature to pass a law banning abortions based merely on the fact that the “child is diagnosed with Down syndrome.”
“The Declaration of Independence summarizes what we all know in our hearts to be true,” Noem said. “God created each of us and endowed all of us with the right to life. This is true for everyone, including those with an extra chromosome.” (RELATED: New York Abortion Law Allows People To Get Away With Murder Of Unborn Children, Lawsuit Says)
Children with Down Syndrome are a gift to us all. I am asking the South Dakota legislature to pass a law that bans the abortion of a preborn child, just because that child is diagnosed with Down Syndrome.
We must stand for the right to life of every preborn child.
— Governor Kristi Noem (@govkristinoem) January 12, 2021
The South Dakota governor said that former Republican Wisconsin Rep. Sean Duffy and commentator Rachel Campos Duffy were present with their baby daughter Valentina, who has Down Syndrome. Her friends Aaron and Tami Fite and their four children were also present, she said, including their son Cody Fite who also has Down Syndrome.
“Let’s make South Dakota a symbol of hope, justice, and love for children like Cody and Valentina,” Noem said. “With the help of several pro-life groups across the state, my team will present legislation for your consideration and swift passage.”
Noem also said that care for children should not end outside the womb, calling on South Dakotans to foster children in need.
Children with Down Syndrome, like little Valentina, bring such joy into our lives. Like @RCamposDuffy said: “she has a right to live, just like everybody else.”
Today, I will propose to the SD legislature that we ban abortions based on a Down Syndrome diagnosis. @SeanDuffyWI pic.twitter.com/Qbbnt3WGxz
— Governor Kristi Noem (@govkristinoem) January 12, 2021
“Protecting children begins in the womb, but children of all ages need a loving family to care for and support them throughout their lives,” she said. “In my first state of the state, I stood at this podium and asked people to open their hearts and homes to foster children. I asked you to consider giving a child a forever home.”
South Dakota has licensed 238 new foster homes in fiscal year 2020, the highest number in five years, Noem said.
“Oftentimes, these kids just need a bridge,” Noem said. “They just need someone to believe in them. It’s important to note there are a lot of people inside and outside government providing that bridge.”
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