As states consider abortion measures, South Dakota law becomes flashpoint

Mar 25 2011

The ramifications of this South Dakota law may be more political than practical, reports Politico, while people on both sides of the issue spring into action. 

The Associated Press: Wave Of Anti-Abortion Bills Advance In The States
Dozens of bills are advancing through statehouses nationwide that would put an array of new obstacles — legal, financial and psychological — in the paths of women seeking abortions. The tactics vary: mandatory sonograms and anti-abortion counseling, sweeping limits on insurance coverage, bans on abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. To abortion-rights activists, they add up to the biggest political threat since the Roe v. Wade decision of 1973 that legalized abortion nationwide (Crary, 3/24).

Politico: South Dakota Abortion Law Wakes Up Activists
The ramifications of sweeping new abortion restrictions in South Dakota may well be more political than practical. The new law has mobilized abortion rights activists — and been cheered by abortion rights opponents — but it's unclear what practical effect it will have in a state that already has only one abortion provider and the country's overall lowest abortion rate (Kliff, 3/23).

NPR Shots Blog: Rare Agreement On Abortion: South Dakota Law Makes Poor Test Case
When Republican Gov. Dennis Daugaard of South Dakota signed into law Tuesday one of the most restrictive abortion measures in the nation, abortion-rights groups were quick to fill reporters' inboxes with statements condemning the measure and promises to file suit (Rovner, 3/23).