South Dakota’s House of Representatives passed the so-called “Women’s Health and Human Life Protection Act” by a vote of 45-25 yesterday. The bill (HB1293) would make abortion illegal in all cases except for rape, incest, or if the life or health of a woman is endangered. Even cases that fall into these categories would be closely scrutinized, making it difficult for a doctor to confirm that a woman’s request for an abortion is justified under this new law.
The bill carries an amendment that would require a statewide vote if it is signed by South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds (R). In November 2006, South Dakota voters resoundingly rejected an extreme abortion ban that had been signed into law in a ballot initiative.
