Opponents of South Dakota's strict new abortion law launch petition drive seeking ballot measure
03/24/2006 10:43:55 AM
Posted: Friday, March 24, 2006
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) -- Opponents of South Dakota's new ban on nearly all abortions began a petition drive Friday to let voters decide its fate.
The law, among the strictest in the nation, is scheduled to take effect July 1 but will automatically be placed on hold if opponents collect the 16,728 signatures necessary for a voter referendum.
A coalition of groups opposed to the law have until June 19 to collect the signatures. The secretary of state's office received initial paperwork signed by a lead opponent, Dr. Maria Bell.
The new law bans abortion in all cases except when necessary to save a woman's life, with no exceptions for rape or incest. The measure was aimed at sparking a court fight that supporters hope will lead to the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that established the right to an abortion.
Opponents argue the law is too extreme.
AP-CS-03-24-06 1136EST
The law, among the strictest in the nation, is scheduled to take effect July 1 but will automatically be placed on hold if opponents collect the 16,728 signatures necessary for a voter referendum.
A coalition of groups opposed to the law have until June 19 to collect the signatures. The secretary of state's office received initial paperwork signed by a lead opponent, Dr. Maria Bell.
The new law bans abortion in all cases except when necessary to save a woman's life, with no exceptions for rape or incest. The measure was aimed at sparking a court fight that supporters hope will lead to the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that established the right to an abortion.
Opponents argue the law is too extreme.
AP-CS-03-24-06 1136EST
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