South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has issued a cease and desist letter for Mayday Health’s ad campaign. According to their website, Mayday Health is a nonprofit organization focused on providing information, resources, and support for abortion, birth control, and gender-affirming care.
Mayday’s ads are posted in 20 South Dakota cities, providing their web address that connects people to the resources related to reproductive health services. The ad reads, “Pregnant? Don’t want to be? Learn more at mayday.health.”
Jackley said the campaign violates state deceptive advertising laws, and the state may bring a lawsuit against the organization.
He said the advertisement directs consumers to resources that insinuates that abortion inducing medications are legal in South Dakota.
“We do not punish women who undergo abortion. The criminal liability falls on the individual who administered the abortion or prescribed or procured the abortion-inducing pill,” said Jackley.
While this campaign isn't the only effort to connect South Dakotans with family planning materials, Mayday Health does not provide abortion medication directly.
Mayday could face penalties up to $5,000 per violation, and they have until December 19th to resolve the situation.
