Thursday, February 01, 2007

. . . And If You Think That Sucks

Last year, South Dakota enacted the most repressive abortion ban law in the U.S. which included criminal penalties for both women and doctors. The law was overturned in a public referendum, but legislators are back at it again.

The Rapid City Journal reports that:
"Legislators in the House and Senate who did not vote in favor of the bill that was passed last year say that they would support such a bill that had exceptions for rape and incest and clearly defined health exceptions,” [Rep. Don Van Etten, R-Rapid City] said. . . . Kate Looby, state director for Planned Parenthood in South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota, also was in the Capitol on Monday. She said the lawmakers were 'ignoring South Dakota voters,' who rejected an abortion ban last November.

"The only exception in that measure was to save the life of the mother, but Looby said she believed South Dakotans would not accept the new measure either. 'I think the people of South Dakota want the government to stay out of this private, personal family matter,' she said."

Let's hope so.

Hat tip to Jessica at Feministing

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