In a press conference yesterday, South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds expressed his support for House Bill 1191 that would ban almost all abortions in the state, but asked the legislature to make minor technical changes to the Bill before it becomes law.
The Governor made clear that the changes he is requesting are only for the purpose of insuring that South Dakota's existing laws restricting abortion are not put in jeopardy if the current legislation is successfully challenged in court. Governor Round's decision to ask for the style changes leaves open the possibility that the House or Senate could choose not to endorse the law. The two legislative bodies will be asked to concur by majority vote on the style changes before he signs the bill into law.
From the beginning, officials with South Dakota Right to Life and National Right to Life have voiced opposition to the Bill stating this was not the right time to attempt a ban on abortions.
Richard Thompson, President of the Thomas More Law Center, a public interest law firm that aided in the drafting and legal strategy of the legislation responded to their opposition saying, “When is it the wrong time to do what is right? After 31 years and 40 million murdered babies under Roe v. Wade, it is essential that we continue to confront the Court with their immoral and lawless decision that has no basis in the Constitution, history or traditions of our nation.”
“I applaud the South Dakota legislature. House Bill 1191 was designed to challenge Roe v. Wade, protect women, and save unborn children in South Dakota. This bill, if signed, represents a truly groundbreaking effort to end abortion on the part of the state of South Dakota, and I hope other states will follow,” said Thompson.
South Dakota State Representative Matt McCaulley, the main sponsor of the bill, viewed the Governor's decision positively. “Governor Rounds today agreed with a bi-partisan super-majority of the South Dakota Legislature and moved forward landmark legislation that will protect unborn human life in South Dakota. I am pleased that the governor has agreed to urge Legislators to support his recommendation that HB1191 become law with the changes he has proposed. South Dakota is doing the right thing — fulfilling its duty to protect all human life.”
The bill as drafted can be found here.
(This update courtesy of the Thomas More Law Center, which defends and promotes religious freedom, time-honored family values, and the sanctity of human life through education, litigation, and related activities. TMLC does not charge for its services. It depends on contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations. It is recognized by the IRS as a section 501(c)(3) organization. You may reach the Thomas More Law Center at (734) 827-2001 or visit their website.)
