Noem signs bill aiming to restrict abortion pill access

By STEPHEN GROVES
Associated Press

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has signed a bill that would make the state one of the most difficult places to get abortion pills, though most of the law will not be enacted unless the state prevails in a federal court battle. The Republican governor pushed the legislation this year to enshrine a similar rule from her administration. It attempted to require abortion-seekers to make three separate visits to a doctor to take abortion pills. But a federal court issued a preliminary injunction against that rule last month. The bill Noem signed contains language that says the restrictions are not enforceable unless the state convinces a federal court to overturn that order.