PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Governor Dennis Daugaard has signed into law a ban of non-emergency abortions in South Dakota at or beyond 20 weeks of pregnancy.

The Republican governor's office said he signed the bill Thursday.

Daugaard's spokeswoman says he is against abortion and supports the measure. Republican Representative Isaac Latterell, who sponsored the bill in the House, says he thinks it will help save lives.

The ban is based on the disputed premise that a fetus can feel pain at that stage.

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has gathered evidence that fetal pain is unlikely until weeks later.

The measure offers some exemptions for women in medical emergencies, but not in cases of rape or incest.

Performing an abortion that violates the new threshold would be a Class 1 misdemeanor.

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