2016 South Dakota Codified Laws
Title 34 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY
Chapter 23A - Performance Of Abortions
§ 34-23A-7.1 Abortion without notification--Participation and representation of female--Confidentiality--Appeal of denial.
34-23A-7.1. Abortion without notification--Participation and representation of female--Confidentiality--Appeal of denial. In any proceeding pursuant to subdivision 34-23A-7(1) or 34-23A-7(3), the pregnant female may participate in proceedings in the court on her own behalf, and the court may appoint a guardian ad litem for her. The court shall, however, advise her that she has a right to court- appointed counsel and shall, upon her request, provide her with such counsel. Proceedings in the court under subdivision 34-23A-7(1) or 34-23A-7(3) shall be confidential and shall be given such precedence over other pending matters so that the court may reach a decision promptly and without delay so as to serve the best interests of the pregnant female. A judge of the court who conducts proceedings under subdivision 34-23A-7(1) or 34-23A-7(3) shall make in writing specific factual findings and legal conclusions supporting the decision and shall order a record of the evidence to be maintained including the judge's own findings and conclusions.
An expedited confidential appeal shall be available to any such pregnant female for whom the court denies an order authorizing an abortion without notification. An order authorizing an abortion without notification is not subject to appeal. No filing fees are required of any such pregnant female at either the trial or the appellate level. Access to the trial court for the purposes of such a petition or motion, and access to the appellate courts for purposes of making an appeal from denial of the same, shall be afforded such a pregnant female twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all pleadings, papers, and other documents filed pursuant to this section are confidential, are not public records, and are not open for inspection by any member of the public for any purpose.
Source: SL 1997, ch 204, § 3; SL 2005, ch 189, § 2.
Disclaimer: These codes may not be the most recent version. South Dakota may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
