Freedom is a Family Value

Over the years, parents spend a lot of time with their child’s pediatrician.

From routine well-baby visits and annual exams to (hopefully fewer) urgent-care situations, parents definitely get to know their way around the clinic! The parent-pediatrician relationship really is a true partnership!

But you know who’s never a part of that relationship? Our legislators.

Medical decisions should be made between patients (and their parents) and their doctors – not politicians. But that’s not what some of our elected officials think.

Across the country and right here in South Dakota, lawmakers have been sticking their noses into matters they shouldn’t – specifically heath care decisions that have been traditionally reserved for parents.

During the 2023 legislative session, South Dakota lawmakers passed a bill that prohibits doctors from providing life-saving gender-affirming health care to trans youth, essentially putting the government in charge of making vital health care decisions for our kids.

We don’t co-parent with our legislators. Why are they making medical decisions for us?

It’s time for our legislators to mind their own business. Specifically, the business of the state. Our roads. Our schools. Our workforce.

Freedom is a family value – at home, at school, and at the doctor’s office. It’s time to let parents decide.

Join the fight for our freedom

Take action

The right to make our own medical decisions is under attack. Ask your legislators to support freedom as a family value.

Medical decisions should be made between patients (and their parents) and their doctors – not politicians.

But that's not what some of our elected officials think.

Across the country and right here in South Dakota, lawmakers have been sticking their noses into matters they shouldn't – specifically heath care decisions that have been traditionally reserved for parents.

We don't co-parent with our legislators. Why are they making medical decisions for us?

It's time for our legislators to mind their own business. Specifically, the business of the state. Our roads. Our schools. Our workforce.

Freedom is a family value – at home, at school, and at the doctor's office. It's time to let parents decide.

Send your message

What is gender-affirming care?

Let’s cut through the conspiracy theories and get to the facts about the care that transgender youth receive in South Dakota.

Here in South Dakota, parents and youth – as well as doctors who treat them – have spoken clearly. Affirming care is safe and necessary for some youth.

By continuing to scapegoat this small but vulnerable group, anti-LGBTQ+ politicians put South Dakota children directly at risk. At risk of being denied potentially lifesaving treatment. At risk of being bullied at school and demonized in their communities. Even at risk of having to flee their homes to continue treatment.

They deserve dignity and respect, not the hatred being piled on them.

Learn more

Youth Legislative Advisory Committee

We need your voice in the fight for our freedom.

Want to gain a better understanding of South Dakota politics and how you can impact the process? Are you under the age of 26?

Join the ACLU’s Youth Legislative Advisory Committee, led by our advocacy manager Samantha Chapman, and let’s change South Dakota politics for the better!

Being a part of this advisory committee is a great way kick off your legislative advocacy and gain experience for future activism.

Join the committee