NOW Awaits South Dakota Governor's Action on Nation's Most Far-Reaching Abortion Ban

March 9, 2004

The most sweeping anti-abortion legislation in our nation's history is approaching a March 12 signature deadline. While this crippling bill, HB 1191, awaits the attention of South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds, the National Organization for Women is issuing a call to action to prevent it from becoming a devastating law.

"NOW is urging its members and other women's rights supporters in South Dakota to contact Governor Rounds and tell him to veto this legislation," said NOW President Kim Gandy. "We must prevent this terrible bill from becoming a terrible law."

This attempt to turn back Roe v. Wade is the most comprehensive since the Supreme Court made its groundbreaking decision legalizing abortion in 1973. The legislation does not make any exceptions for victims of rape, incest, or health of the individual woman. The bill's prime sponsor, Rep. Matt McCaulley (R) of Sioux Falls, acknowledged that it is designed to force the Supreme Court to reconsider Roe v. Wade—and will effectively cost South Dakotans at least $1 million to defend in court.

"The people in South Dakota must understand that if this bill is signed into law, it will cost taxpayers millions of dollars that are desperately needed to improve social services," said Gandy. "It is ridiculous to support this doomed legislation at the expense of anyone—especially when it jeopardizes women's health."

Kim Gandy is available for comment upon the signing or veto of this legislation.

To contact the Governor's Office:
Governor Mike Rounds
State Capitol
500 East Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501
605-773-3212

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