(South Dakota Broadcasters Association) Senate State Affairs advanced a House-passed bill aimed at abortion-pill advertising and distribution on Wednesday.
Supporters say it targets out-of-state pill providers and public ads.
Opponents say it could intimidate patients during miscarriage care.
House Bill 1274 makes it a felony to knowingly sell, distribute, dispense, or advertise certain drugs or devices for an unlawful abortion.
Sponsor Rep. John Hughes, R-Sioux Falls, told senators he believes unsupervised abortion pills create serious risks.
He says he speaks from experience and is not seeking to harm women.
Opponents said the wording could deepen fear and delay care when a pregnancy goes wrong.
Yankton OB-GYN Dr. Emma Bye told lawmakers patients should not feel treated like suspects during a miscarriage.
Senate State Affairs voted 8-1 to send House Bill 1274 to the full Senate.
