Pierre, SD - Feb 23, 2006 Yesterday, South Dakota became the first state since the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision decriminalizing abortion, to pass a statewide ban on the procedure. The State Senate gave final approval to the abortion ban, HB 1215, with an overwhelming vote of 23-12. The measure now awaits the signature of Governor Mike Rounds, who has not indicated if he intends to sign the bill into law.

Operation Rescue President Troy Newman was in Pierre last week to hand-deliver letters to lawmakers from Miss Norma McCorvey in support of the abortion ban. McCorvey was the "Jane Roe" who filed the original petition that would eventually allow abortion in America. McCorvey has since has since converted to Christianity and now actively works to end abortion.

"We are encouraged that South Dakota has shown courageous leadership in protecting the most vulnerable among us, the pre-born," said Newman. "We urge Gov. Rounds to sign this historic and bold legislation," said Newman.

Gov. Rounds has expressed concern that the law will certainly be challenged, and that the cost of litigating this legislation to the Supreme Court level will be a difficult burden for his small state to bear.

"We understand Gov. Rounds financial concerns about the cost of litigating this law and promise, again, to do all we can to network with pro-life and pro-family groups to help insure there are adequate resources to defend this bill all the way to the Supreme Court," said Newman. "We can't put a cost on protecting human life."


Home