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S. Dakota Goes After Choice (Again)

Last week, I wrote about a draconian, anti-choice initiative in Colorado that threatens to criminalize abortion, curtail stem-cell research, and deprive women of access to legal contraception. Meanwhile, in South Dakota, long the epicenter of efforts to overturn Roe v. Wade, for the second time since 2006, voters are being asked to outlaw almost all abortions in the state.

This time around abortion opponents are trying to sell their ‘new and improved' initiative as 2006-abortion-ban-light but the new initiative would entail a sweeping ban on abortion that is just as thorough as the 2006 law that South Dakota voters widely rejected.

A group called Vote Yes for Life is pushing the new version of the bill -- Measure 11 despite the fact that South Dakota is already among the most difficult states for women to access abortions. (The climate is so hostile that Planned Parenthood flies in doctors from Minnesota once a week because no South Dakota doctor is willing to perform elective abortions.) One of the Vote Yes' leaders is the Rev. Steve Hickey, who has said that he believes that South Dakota has been chosen by God to challenge Roe v. Wade.

Peter Rothberg

October 6, 2008

Last week, I wrote about a draconian, anti-choice initiative in Colorado that threatens to criminalize abortion, curtail stem-cell research, and deprive women of access to legal contraception. Meanwhile, in South Dakota, long the epicenter of efforts to overturn Roe v. Wade, for the second time since 2006, voters are being asked to outlaw almost all abortions in the state.

This time around abortion opponents are trying to sell their ‘new and improved’ initiative as 2006-abortion-ban-light but the new initiative would entail a sweeping ban on abortion that is just as thorough as the 2006 law that South Dakota voters widely rejected.

A group called Vote Yes for Life is pushing the new version of the bill — Measure 11 despite the fact that South Dakota is already among the most difficult states for women to access abortions. (The climate is so hostile that Planned Parenthood flies in doctors from Minnesota once a week because no South Dakota doctor is willing to perform elective abortions.) One of the Vote Yes’ leaders is the Rev. Steve Hickey, who has said that he believes that South Dakota has been chosen by God to challenge Roe v. Wade.

This video, produced by the South Dakota Campaign for Healthy Families, illuminates the consequences of passing Measure 11. Not only would the statute intentionally deprive the state’s women of a Constitutionally-protected right but the bill’s complicated and vague language would threaten the health and well-being of women and families across South Dakota.

There are many ways you can help defeat Measure 11.

Sign the PetitionTake a stand against Measure 11 by signing the Petition for Healthy Families.

Tell a FriendInvite a friend to join the campaign.

ContributeNational anti-abortion extremists are gearing up in South Dakota. Help local activists fight back by making a donation now.

And for those of you in South Dakota, click here to find activities in-state and be sure to vote no on Measure 11 on November 4!

Peter RothbergTwitterPeter Rothberg is the The Nation’s associate publisher.


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