Effervescent Life!
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Sigh.
South Dakota Passes Abortion Ban:
SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota (Reuters) - South Dakota became the first U.S. state to pass a law banning abortion in virtually all cases, with the intention of forcing the Supreme Court to reconsider its 1973 decision legalizing the procedure. The law, which would punish doctors who perform the operation with a five-year prison term and a $5,000 fine, awaits the signature of Republican Gov. Michael Rounds and people on both sides of the issue say he is unlikely to veto it.
"My understanding is we are the first state to truly defy Roe v. Wade," the 1973 high court ruling that granted a constitutional right to abortion, said Kate Looby of Planned Parenthood's South Dakota chapter.
State legislatures in Ohio, Indiana, Georgia, Tennessee and Kentucky also have introduced similar measures this year, but South Dakota's legislative calendar means its law is likely to be enacted first.
"We hope (Rounds) recognizes this for what it is: a political tool and not about the health and safety of the women of South Dakota," Looby said.
"If he chooses to sign it, we will be filing a lawsuit in short order to block it," she said after attending the afternoon debate at the state capital in Pierre.
Proponents have said the law was designed for just such a court challenge.
The timing is right, supporters say, given the recent appointments of Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito to the high court. The two conservatives could pave the way to a decision overturning Roe v. Wade.

Here's a thought. If you want more women to chose to carry a pregnancy out, throw them some safety nets! How about better maternity leave. PAID maternity leave. Better working conditions. Up the funding for daycare AND education. Food Benefits that don't force people to to eat only processed food. Oh, here's a thought better medical funding! Does this stuff all really have to be a pipe dream? What good is this law anyway? South Dakotians who have money can still cross borders and take "vacations". So again it's those in bad positions anyway left in the lurch. Good thinking S.D. ! Why does this country have to be so ass backward in its thinking? Why can't we take care of the society that is already *here* first? Because that would make too much sense wouldn't it. And frankly this "Christian" nation gets its jollies off on making people ask for help and denying it when they haven't passed the "What We Think Is Right" test. Wouldn't Jesus be proud? At least half the nation would like to think so.
Written at 11:36 AM by ©Jac.
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