Like numerous other states, South Dakota will choose to codify abortion in its state constitution in next week’s Nov. 5 election. If approved by voters, the amendment would reverse the state’s abortion ban that was enacted after the landmark Dobbs ruling two years ago, according to The Argus Leader newspaper.
Caroline Woods, a spokesperson for Life Defense Fund, says the pro-life group is warning South Dakotans a “yes” vote approves radical abortion measures that most voters don’t support.
“Number one, it rids all health and safety protections for women,” she says. “What that means is everything currently on our books to protect women during the first trimester.”
Woods’ claim is backed by the amendment’s language. The amendment states there would be no regulation of abortion in South Dakota during an abortion in the first trimester, according to the Leader story.
A woman’s first trimester of pregnancy is generally considered the first 13 weeks, or three months, the time period when most abortions occur.
Not only would passage of Amendment G end mandatory wait times and informed consent, Woods says abortion clinics would no longer be required to meet health and safety regulations. Other concerns being raised are it will eliminate a parental notification law, and would require objecting doctors and nurses to participate in abortions, if it is approved next week.
Poll shows shift among undecided voters
According to the Leader story, published this week, a recent poll of 500 registered voters found support for Amendment G was 50%-47% supporting it versus opposing it. That poll is a “major shift” from a poll, conducted in May, that found 53% supported it and 35% opposed, with 11% undecided, the story said.
A political science professor told the Leader the shift in polling from May to October suggests previously undecided voters now agree Amendment G is “too extreme” to support.
According to Woods, the pro-life side has raised more campaign funds than their pro-abortion opponents, which has helped spread the word.
The pro-abortion group pushing Amendment G is called Dakotans for Health.
“A lot of people say, well, it won't happen here in South Dakota, but the fact of the matter is it's on the ballot,” Woods tells AFN.
“It could very well pass,” she continues, “if we don't raise the money, if we don't continue to educate folks on the truth of this radical and extreme amendment, and if we don't continue to fight the good fight for women and children and their safety and protection."
