A majority of House lawmakers support a resolution opposing a potential ballot measure on abortion rights.
The debate surrounding the resolution offers a glimpse into the campaign for a possible constitutional amendment.
South Dakota has one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country. The procedure is banned except to save the life of a pregnant person.
The resolution, which passed a House committee along party lines, says the proposed abortion rights ballot question would have negative effects on women, children and healthcare professionals.
“The abortion constitutional amendment is so vaguely written you could drive a truck through this thing all the way through all nine months of pregnancy an abortion may be permitted,” said Dale Bartscher, the head of South Dakota Right To Life, an influential group at the state capitol. “This is not who we are. This is too radical. This is not South Dakota.”
Bartscher said he’s grateful lawmakers are considering a resolution that can clarify the proposed ballot question.
However, those who support a potential ballot question say the legislative resolution is misleading.
Rick Weiland is the head of Dakotans For Health, which is leading the effort to place abortion rights language into the state constitution. He said the ballot question is simple—no abortion restrictions in the first trimester, some in the second and none in the third, except to preserve the life of the mother.
“They keep saying, ‘this is so radical. It goes beyond Roe. Abortion up to birth.’ Well, we have a trigger law right now that allows an abortion up to birth if the mother’s life is on the line,” Weiland said. “So, what’s the difference?”
Weiland said Dakotans For Health has collected 50,000 signatures so far. The group must submit 35,000 valid signatures by May 20 to get the ballot measure before voters.
