Activists Work Against South Dakota Abortion Ban

Activists in South Dakota pushing for a referendum to overturn the state's ban on abortion, and have already collected one-third of the signatures necessary to put the issue on the ballot in November. A group called South Dakota Campaign for Healthy Families is leading the initiative, with over 400 volunteers working to collect signatures, reports the Los Angeles Times. If they collect 16,728 valid signatures before June 19, voters will have a chance to strike down the law in November

Volunteers were optimistic, sometimes collecting 75 signatures in under two hours, and high-school senior Serri Graslie told the Times that “I have renewed faith in the people of South Dakota. This is turning out much better than I thought.”

The National Network of Abortion Funds (NNAF), which supports the ballot initiative, has announced its readiness to support the women of South Dakota should the ban go into effect on July 1. The National Reproductive Justice Fund will provide funding to assist women from South Dakota and other states considering abortion bans. Executive Director Stephanie Poggi said, “Our new national fund will ensure that women have the resources and help they need to obtain abortions – no matter what the South Dakota legislature does.”

TAKE ACTION Support the South Dakota Campaign for Healthy Families, or donate to NNAF’s National Reproductive Justice Fund.

Media Resources: Los Angeles Times 4/9/06; NNAF 4/3/06; South Dakota Campaign for Healthy Families

© Feminist Majority Foundation, publisher of Ms. magazine

If you liked this story, consider making a tax-deductible donation to support Ms. magazine.