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SD First Lady: 16 Hospital Pledge To Reduce Early Deliveries

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The First Lady of South Dakota says 16 birthing hospitals in the state have pledged to reduce the number early deliveries done for non-medical reasons.

Linda Daugaard says she and North Dakota First Lady Betsy Dalrymple have challenged birthing hospitals in both states to reduce early elective deliveries.

Early elective deliveries are non-medically indicated deliveries performed before 39 weeks of pregnancy for no specific medical reason. EEDs pose health risks to both mother and baby.

Daugaard says all 24 hospitals in South Dakota were invited to sign the pledge and vow to reduce their number of early deliveries.

The deadline for submitting pledges is March 15.