Governor Signs Sweeping Ban on Abortion

Washington, DC—Today, Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, issued the following statement in response to Gov. Mike Rounds of South Dakota signing a criminal ban on abortion into law.

"Governor Rounds' signing of this bill should spur all Americans to let their governors know that they oppose egregious actions that threaten a woman's reproductive freedom.  This law is a monumental setback for women in South Dakota and across the country.  This ban does not even contain exceptions for women who are rape or incest victims, or whose health is threatened, and has an inadequate exception to protect a woman's life."

"Since the South Dakota Legislature first passed this abortion ban, pro-choice Americans have reacted with a renewed commitment to protect a woman's right to choose.  They are right to be concerned because this is not an isolated case.  Anti-choice politicians in 11 other states are pushing similar bans.  President Bush has created a climate with his judicial appointments in which anti-choice lawmakers feel emboldened to attack Roe v. Wade.  Americans don't want to see this landmark decision overturned, and President Bush and his anti-choice allies will pay a political price for advancing such an out-of-the mainstream agenda."

Background on South Dakota Ban

South Dakota's criminal ban (HB 1215) outlaws abortion in almost all cases and does not protect a woman when her health is in danger or even in cases of rape or incest.  Doctors who violate the ban could face up to five years in prison.  Signing of this law represents an outrageous attack on women's health and represents a step backward for personal privacy. 

Contact:
Ted Miller, 202.973.3032