Frequently Asked Questions

Why are you fighting this ban again?

Like most South Dakotans, we’re frustrated that we have to go through this all over again. Just 2 years ago, we worked through this difficult issue and found that it was much more complicated than one law could begin to address. That’s why it’s better to leave this difficult decision up to women and their families to decide. We’re confident that the people of South Dakota will come to that same conclusion again this year.

We simply don’t want the Government intruding on families’ personal, private decisions.

What do you think about the “exceptions” in this ban?

Let’s be clear. This is a sweeping ban on abortion. Women and families seek abortions for many complex and personal reasons, but this ban would make the decision for them. For example, a woman would be forced to carry a pregnancy to term even if the fetus couldn’t survive on its own after delivery.

One law can’t possibly provide for every family’s most trying circumstances. Until you’ve walked in someone else’s shoes, though, you can’t make that decision for them. That’s why it’s best to leave these difficult, personal decision to a woman and her family.

Will this law stop the use of “abortion as birth control”?

Actually, the data shows that South Dakota women seek abortion care for a variety of reasons. In 2006, nearly half (47%) of women receiving abortion care were already mothers. Also, abortion is heavily regulated in South Dakota. Before an abortion is performed, the following requirements must be met.

• The woman must receive state-directed counseling and then must wait 24 hours before the procedure is provided.
• The woman must be offered an opportunity to view a sonogram.
• The doctor must read a government mandated script to the woman designed to discourage her from following through with her decision.

The fact is, each woman’s circumstances are unique to her and her family and the Government should respect their ability to make these complex, moral decisions.

Aren’t there “exceptions” for rape, incest and the mother’s health?

This is the most troubling question facing South Dakota voters this time around.

The language of this law is so vague that it is impossible to guarantee that mothers and victims of rape and incest will be protected. What’s clear is that lawyers, politicians and activist judges could make the law a tool to serve their own agendas. Doctors and law enforcement authorities have verified that Measure 11 is so unclear that doctors would have to risk their careers and their liberty to do what’s best for their patients.

What will be the cost to the state?

The Attorney General said this abortion ban will likely be challenged in court and South Dakota taxpayers would be required to pay substantial attorneys fees and costs to defend the law.

What does the South Dakota Campaign for Healthy Families hope to accomplish?

We worked hard 2 years ago to educate voters about how the abortion ban would affect people in the real world and we have a moral responsibility to educate voters again this year. This is an extremely complicated issue. Folks are asking tough questions and we deserve honest answers—not just the same old rhetoric.

The fact of the matter is that this ban is bad public policy for South Dakota’s women and families, and the people need to know why.