2008 Abortion Ban
In spite of South Dakotans decisively rejecting a near-total ban on abortions in 2006, anti-choice forces have put another ban on the ballot, and South Dakotans will again vote on this issue. We've included some frequently asked questions below, and will be including updates throughout the campaign. If you have additional questions about this version of the abortion ban, or how you can help defeat it, email us at info@prochoicesd.org or call 605.334.5065. Q: How is this year's ban similar or different from the 2006 ban? A: Like the ban we faced in 2006, this is an unconstitutional, near-total ban on abortions. Just as before, this ban puts government squarely in the business of making medical decisions that should be left up to women, their doctors and their families. This version, however, includes "exceptions" for the health of the pregnant woman, and for rape and incest survivors. Unfortunately, the way the law is written would require rape victims to re-live their trauma and endure bureaucratic red tape. You can read the full text of Initiated Measure 11, as well as the attorney general's explanation by clicking here . Q: This ban looks like it includes exceptions. Why is Initiated Measure 11 bad for South Dakota? A: At face value, it might appear that this is a "fixed" version of the failed ban from 2006. Upon closer inspection, however, it becomes apparent that there is a lot wrong with this law: 1. The "exceptions" are written using non-medical, vague terminology that could have a chilling effect on health care professionals. There is no medical concensus on what constitutes a "significant harm" versus a "non-significant harm." There is no medical concensus about what these terms mean. Opinions could vary from doctor to doctor--and with the potential for prison involved, doctors won't want to risk their careers. Doctors' hands will be tied, and people could be denied desperately needed care.2. There are many exceptions that aren't included in Initiated Measure 11. There is no exception for "fetal anomolies," meaning that a woman could be told that she has to continue her pregnancy, even though her child has no chance of surviving outside of the womb, and that it will suffer greatly. It isn't the government's place to tell a family what to do in such difficult circumstances. 3. Banning abortion does nothing to reduce the unintended pregnancy rate. If this sweeping ban passes, it will result in women choosing unsafe abortions or travelling outside the state to obtain the procedure. Studies have repeatedly shown that increasing access to contraception--NOT banning abortion--is what reduces the unintended pregnancy rate.
Q: How can I help fight the ban? A: There are several ways you can help defeat Initiated Measure 11. 1. Make sure you're registered to vote, and that you vote on November 4th. You can also vote absentee. Watch for details this fall on how to do that. 2. Make sure your friends are registered to vote. Every friend, family member, or co-worker that you help register is one more vote against the ban! 3. Volunteer for or donate to NARAL Pro-Choice South Dakota.
Q: What will happen if the ban passes? A: If the abortion ban passes, the measure will likely be challenged in court, since the attorney general has pointed out that it is unconstitutional. In the event that the ban passes, NARAL Pro-Choice South Dakota will continue working for reproductive choice for everyone in our state. | 
