South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R), a possible vice presidential candidate, called rape and incest exceptions for abortion a “tragedy.”
While speaking to Dana Bash on CNN Sunday, Noem was asked if she supported her state’s law, which does not provide exceptions for rape, much like Arizona’s Civil War-era anti-abortion law.
“Our law today allows an exception to save the life of the mother, but the people in South Dakota will decide what their laws look like,” Noem explained.
“What do you think it should look like?” Bash pressed, but Noem dodged the question, saying she would enforce her state’s laws.
The CNN host pushed again for an answer.
“Do you think there should be exceptions for rape and incest, for example?” Bash asked.
“That’s what’s different, Dana, is that I’ve constantly looked, and we rely in South Dakota on the fact that I’m pro-life and we have a law that says that there is an exception for the life of the mother,” Noem opined. “And I just don’t believe a tragedy should perpetuate another tragedy.”
“I believe in taking care of mothers that are in a crisis situation and that we should be walking alongside them, giving them all the information and the best information they can make before they have to be put in a situation where an abortion is the only option that they have,” she added.
