South Dakota abortion rights initiative supporters submit enough signatures to make ballot

Tyler Mitchell By Tyler Mitchell Jun5,2024

South Dakota abortion rights initiative supporters submitted enough signatures on Wednesday to make the ballot in November. 

The signatures were submitted by Dakotans for Health, an abortion rights group leading the effort in the state. The organization filed the petition with over 55,000 signatures, which is over the 35,000 necessary to get the petition on the ballot. 

The push to get the amendment on the ballot is likely to be met with legal challenges in the state where currently there is a near-total abortion ban in place following the overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022. South Dakota’s law prohibits almost all abortions except in cases to save the life of the mother. 

“[We] feel pretty good about our chances of qualifying and we’ve done our own internal validation and reference thing with voter files and the like and feel that we’ll have plenty signatures and we’ll be on the ballot this November,” Dakotans for Health co-founder Rick Weiland told The Hill. 

Dakotans for Health and other in-state backers hope to have the constitutional amendment on the ballot that would make abortion, in the first trimester, legal in all instances. 

“And what our amendment does, it’s just a reinstatement of Roe v. Wade,” Weiland said. “The language is almost identical and it would allow for access to abortion rights through the second trimester and the language of Roe, which indicates that the state can regulate, but not prohibit in the second trimester and the regulations are things like making sure that it’s a licensed medical professional and licensed facility.”

Abortions would only be allowed in the third trimester for reasons like saving the life of the mother, he added. “So basically, we’re trying to codify Roe v. Wade in our state constitution,” Weiland said. 

Weiland said the group has been collecting signatures since November 2022.  

The language from Dakotans for Health is similar to measures approved by voters in other states, namely in Vermont, Michigan, California and Ohio. A number of additional states are looking to put abortion protection measure on the ballot in November. 

The signatures now head to the state’s Secretary of State Monae Johnson, whose office has until mid-August to validate the push. 

“Today, we proudly present this petition to the Secretary of State, affirming our commitment to letting the voters, not the politicians, determine the course of reproductive rights in our state,” Weiland said in a press release.

Tyler Mitchell

By Tyler Mitchell

Tyler is a renowned journalist with years of experience covering a wide range of topics including politics, entertainment, and technology. His insightful analysis and compelling storytelling have made him a trusted source for breaking news and expert commentary.

Related Post

67 thoughts on “South Dakota abortion rights initiative supporters submit enough signatures to make ballot”
  1. As a supporter of abortion rights, I believe it’s crucial for initiatives like this to make the ballot. It’s time to ensure access to safe and legal abortion services in South Dakota. Let’s continue pushing for progress and equality for women’s reproductive rights.

  2. As a supporter of abortion rights, I believe it is crucial for South Dakota to have this initiative on the ballot in November. The current abortion ban is too restrictive, and reinstating Roe v. Wade’s language would provide necessary access to safe and legal abortions. I am hopeful that the legal challenges will not derail this important progress.

  3. It is a pleasure to read this weblog, thanks to its up-to-date information and interesting posts. Look into my web page Webemail24 for some really good points and find out more about Bitcoin.

  4. Hey, I enjoyed reading your posts! You have great ideas. Are you looking to get resources about Blogging or some new insights? If so, check out my website Seoranko

  5. It appears that you know a lot about this topic. I expect to learn more from your upcoming updates. Of course, you are very much welcomed to my website Autoprofi about Accident Car Purchase.

  6. Superb layout and design, but most of all, concise and helpful information. Great job, site admin. Take a look at my website Articlecity for some cool facts about Search Engine Optimization.

  7. Great site with quality based content. You’ve done a remarkable job in discussing. Check out my website Article Star about Search Engine Optimization and I look forward to seeing more of your great posts.

  8. tafsir mimpi bergambar 2d
    It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the long run and it is time
    to be happy. I have read this post and if I may I
    wish to suggest you some fascinating issues or tips.
    Maybe you could write next articles relating to this article.

    I want to learn more things about it!

  9. sssinstagram
    Pretty great post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to mention that I have really loved surfing around your weblog posts.
    After all I will be subscribing for your rss feed and I am
    hoping you write again soon!

  10. sssinstagram
    I got this web page from my friend who told me on the topic of this site
    and at the moment this time I am visiting
    this web page and reading very informative articles at this time.

  11. ssstiktok mp3 ssstiktok mp3 ssstiktok mp3
    Hi are using WordPress for your site platform?
    I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and create my own. Do
    you need any coding knowledge to make your own blog? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

  12. goodtogel goodtogel goodtogel
    This design is wicked! You most certainly know how to keep a reader entertained.

    Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Excellent job.
    I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it.
    Too cool!

  13. lk21 rebahin
    Nice blog here! Also your website rather a lot up very fast!
    What host are you the use of? Can I am getting your associate hyperlink to your host?
    I desire my site loaded up as fast as yours lol

  14. Great site with quality based content. You’ve done a remarkable job in discussing. Check out my website 81N about Thai-Massage and I look forward to seeing more of your great posts.

  15. mistik togel
    I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your blog.
    It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable
    for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to
    create your theme? Fantastic work!

  16. manhwalist
    Excellent post but I was wondering if you could write a
    litte more on this topic? I’d be very grateful
    if you could elaborate a little bit further. Appreciate it!

  17. teslatoto teslatoto teslatoto teslatoto
    Hello to every , as I am genuinely eager of reading this website’s
    post to be updated regularly. It consists of good data.

  18. slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor
    You need to be a part of a contest for one of the finest blogs
    online. I most certainly will recommend this blog!

  19. duatoto duatoto duatoto
    Having read this I thought it was really informative.
    I appreciate you taking the time and energy to put this content together.

    I once again find myself spending a lot of time
    both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!

  20. data hk data hk data hk
    Wonderful site. Plenty of useful information here.
    I’m sending it to a few buddies ans additionally sharing in delicious.
    And of course, thank you in your effort!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *